- G Garvin: Division of Patient Services, Children's Hospital Oakland, California.
Caring for children with ostomies comprehensively requires that the healthcare professional understand issues related to normal growth and development as well as more specific medical information about disease processes and ostomy care. Parents should have a working knowledge of routine ostomy care and need guidelines to assist them in recognizing ostomy complications. Complications range from mild to severe. Many patients will experience at least one ostomy-related complication during the time they have their diversion. Active support of the child and the parent is essential toward facilitating acceptance and integration of ostomy care in pediatric ostomy clients.