An investigation into the history of colostomies in Japan reviewed 18 references dating before 1903．Findings show that knowledge of colostomies was derived from Western sources,with the oldest Japanese term for artificial anus given as “gikou” dating back to 1832．Knowledge of colostomies appears to have developed considerably by the publication of “Taisei-Meii-Ikou” in 1837,a translation of Dutch studies．The first definitive reference of the performance in Japan of a colostomy is 1892,though there may have been earlier cases．Records show that,by 1910,some several dozens of colostomies had been performed．

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We have developed a flatus filter for an ostomy bag with an excellent deodorization function and which satisfactorily allows gas to vent easily while preventing the oozing out of excrement．For the two factors of air permeability and excrement leak prevention-which are difficult to obtain concurrently,we performed quantitative evaluations using instrument analysis and sensory tests based on assumed conditions of use in order to set numerical targets suitable for practical purposes．
The targeted values were attained by a combination of activated carbon fibers and breathable waterproof membranes．Consequently,we have developed a filter for an ostomy bag that features air permeability of 11 seconds,a water pressure-proof value of 949 hPa(712mmHg),and deodorization capability for 154 minutes．The various physical properties of this filter have been demonstrated to be superior to those of existing commercial products．In summary,the evaluation of the practical use of this filter revealed favorable results,thereby suggesting the usefulness of this product．

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An incidence of dehiscence at the mucocutaneous suture of a stoma complicates wound care owing to contamination of the wound by fecal matter．In addition,even after the wound heals,dehiscence can lead to stomal strictures and deformity,thus making stoma care difficult．Therefore,it is necessary to provide proper postoperative care in order to avoid complications at the sutured area,and to quickly treat such problems when they occur．
In the present case,a human bFGF preparation(basophilic fibroblast growth factor)was used to treat a deep open wound that occurred after dehiscence of the muco-cutaneous suture of a stoma,and the administration of this preparation had favorable effects on granulation tissue formation．However,wound closure was delayed further due to overgranulation．Although human bFGF has been reported as a promising new agent for intractable wounds,as in the present case,further studies are necessary to determine its range of applications．

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The recent popularization of the Internet allows ostomates and their families to obtain information from a number of stoma care web sites．Some of these sites,however,offer inappropriate information．To rectify this situation,we investigated and evaluated stoma care web sites for this audience．
An evaluation of 16 stoma care web sites showed that they generally provided information which could not be readily understood by laypersons or contained erroneous information．
The present investigation suggested the necessity of utilizing the advantages of the Internet and developing proper stoma care web sites in order to provide information on various services meeting user needs．It is anticipated that the increase in the number of user-friendly stoma care web sites and improvements in their quality will conveniently allow users to obtain accurate, useful information．

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