The challenges of managing a complex stoma with NPWT

This paper reports the clinical experience of a 71-year-old female with resection of the colon, who subsequently developed postoperative complications. A colostomy was carried out; necrosis of the colostomy edges and stoma retraction complicated optimal stoma appliance placement. It was possible to treat the resulting cavity with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) by isolating the stoma and treating the peristomal wound area. The wound was treated with NPWT for 30 days; at day 20, the patient was discharged to home to continue with NPWT for a further 10 days by community nurses, with regular follow-up visits in the outpatient clinic. The patient improved steadily and achieved complete closure of the wound.