The amount of output at a stoma may be classified based on volume or effect on the patient.
Parameters:
(1) volume of output in mL per day
(2) clinical impact
Criteria for a high-output stoma - one or both of the following:
(1) > 2,000 mL
(2) dehydration associated with fluid loss
Normal output ranges from 200 to 700 mL per day.
Causes of high output:
(1) short small bowel
(2) high fat diet
(3) postoperative state (usually temporary)
(4) Crohn's disease or other intrinsic bowel disease
(5) some causes of diarrhea
Causes of low output:
(1) dehydration
(2) elemental diet
