The hidden costs of stoma care in Canada: a primer for physicians and call to action

SummaryOstomy surgery is a life-saving intervention for gastrointestinal, urologic, and gynecologic conditions. While the surgical procedure itself is publicly funded in Canada, patients often face substantial out-of-pocket postoperative expenses. Annual expenses can exceed $1000, with concerns such as peristomal skin complications and parastomal hernias further increasing the financial burden. Gaps in provincial and territorial funding models leave many people in Canada with inadequate insurance coverage, forcing difficult trade-offs between essential stoma care and basic living needs. This commentary highlights the important role that physicians play in recognizing these hidden costs, connecting patients with available resources, and advocating for more equitable access to specialized care and funding to improve the quality of life of people living with a stoma.