Abstract: A stoma control device and method are disclosed. The device comprises, in combination, a support such as a ring for surgical implantation in the body beneath the abdominal wall and substantially around the emerging bowel of a stoma, the support being formed of a relatively soft material such as soft plastic and having an inner surface which tapers outwardly to present a relatively large supporting surface for the bowel, and a plug adapted to be received in the stoma and within the bowel for controlling the stoma, the plug including an inflatable balloon, the balloon, on inflation, presenting an outwardly tapered surface with a shape which complements the tapered inner surface of the support whereby during control of the stoma with the device a relatively large surface of the bowel may be greatly compressed between the plug and the support so as to minimize pressure and tissue destruction.