If you have an ostomy, a stoma blockage (or bowel obstruction) is a serious concern that requires prompt action. A blockage occurs when something—usually undigested food, scar tissue, or inflammation—prevents stool from passing through the intestine and out of the stoma.
You may notice a sharp decrease in output, or the output might become very watery, foul-smelling, or "slimy" as fluid pushes past the obstruction.
If you suspect a stoma blockage, follow these steps:
