Abdominal stoma fashioned by a used circular stapler.

A method of application of a used circular stapler in abdominal stoma formation is described. The procedure is rapid, simple, carries less tissue trauma than the conventional methods and does not involve any additional cost. It allows for a precise circular aperture in the abdominal wall which may be optimally adjusted to the bowel diameter. This method seems to minimize the occurrence of stomal complications and particularly the incidence of troublesome parastomal hernias.