Managing a colostomy or ileostomy in community nursing practice

Abstract

After stoma formation the patient should be independent with their own stoma care. However, with emphasis being placed on community nurses for ongoing aftercare of ostomates: Skingley (2004) has asserted that many community nurses did not feel confident undertaking stoma care. This article is ideally placed for the community nurses to obtain a broad overview of some of the key points pertaining to stoma care. The article looks at care of ostomates and ileostomates in relation to available appliances and also discusses dietary recommendations.

Can Postoperative Nutrition be Favourably Maintained by Oral Diet in Patients with Emergency Temporary Ileostomy? A Tertiary Hospital Based Study

“…Created in the emergency setting of perforation or gangrene with peritonitis, temporary ileostomy is lifesaving. It enables individuals to enjoy normal activities even though they have a stoma [1][2][3][4][5]. Nutritional depletion occurs in patients with ileostomy due to both anatomical and functional loss of gut, ongoing inflammatory activity due to disease with sepsis, pre-existing malnutrition and the added surgical stress.…”

“…Nutritional depletion occurs in patients with ileostomy due to both anatomical and functional loss of gut, ongoing inflammatory activity due to disease with sepsis, pre-existing malnutrition and the added surgical stress. All these factors are to be considered while formulating an appropriate -5]: Paired t-test difference between nutritional parameters after 7 days and after 3 months of oral feeding management plan to restore and maintain nutritional status [1][2][3][5][6][7][8][9]. Enteral alimentation is the primary and preferred route for nutrition in patients with ileostomy.…”

“…These patients generally have septic peritonitis with fecal contamination and unhealthy bowel [1][2][3][4][5]. Ileostomy results in gross impairment of absorptive capacity in the postoperative period with increased stomal loss of fluids and electrolytes.…”

Nutrition in Stoma Patients: A Practical View of Dietary Therapy

“…Gradually introduce new foods; if done slowly, offending foods can be indentified and obstruction can be controlled or prevented. [7][8][9] Some foods may not be as well tolerated and may cause flatulence (gas), odors, diarrhea and/or constipation. Table 1 shows a food chart of common food which may cause intolerance.…”

“…All individuals with ostomies have lost a portion of their bowel and will need to compensate by optimizing their diet for the nutrients in question. 15 Preoperatively, fiber and lactose intolerances are common in ileostomy patients. With strictures, the patients should avoid popcorn, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, celery, fruit skins, and vegetable skins, and chew thoroughly.…”