Stoma Rod or Bridge
The red rubber piece you're referring to is most commonly called a stoma rod (also known as a stoma bridge or ostomy rod).
What It Is and Its Purpose
A stoma rod is a supportive device placed beneath a loop ostomy at the time of surgical creation. It serves to:
- Prevent the loop of intestine from retracting back into the abdominal cavity during the early postoperative period
- Support the newly created stoma while tissue healing occurs
- Maintain the position of both the proximal (functioning) and distal (defunctionalized) limbs of the loop ostomy
When It's Used
The stoma rod is specifically used with loop ostomies (both loop colostomies and loop ileostomies), where a continuous piece of intestine is brought through the abdominal wall and opened on the anterior surface, creating two intestinal openings side by side 1.
Duration and Removal
- The rod is typically left in place for 7-10 days postoperatively
- It is removed once the stoma has adequately adhered to the abdominal wall and the risk of retraction has diminished
- Removal is usually performed in an outpatient setting and does not require anesthesia
Important Clinical Note
The stoma rod is NOT used with end stomas (end colostomies or end ileostomies), as these involve a divided intestine with only the proximal end brought to the skin surface, eliminating the need for external support 1.
If you're seeing this device on a patient, it indicates they have a loop ostomy configuration, which is often temporary and created to protect a distal anastomosis or provide temporary fecal diversion 1.