Elective colostomy in the patient with a spinal cord injury: an ET nurse's perspective.
The patient with a spinal cord injury presents significant challenges to the nurse seeking to promote an optimal state of physical wellness and maximum independence with self-care. This article describes the nature of spinal cord injuries and their long-term effects on the gastrointestinal system. The preoperative and postoperative needs that the WOC nurse must consider when designing a care plan for the patient with a spinal cord injury and a colostomy are discussed, as well as the indications and efficacy of elective colostomy surgery as a management alternative for the neuropathic bowel.
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Long Beach, Calif. 90822, USA.
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Edgar
D003125:Colostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D003248:Constipation / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome