Case study: managing and caring for a patient undergoing stoma formation.
A 75-year-old man had attended his GP, as he was worried that his altered bowel habits and slight rectal bleeding was more sinister than haemorrhoids. This article describes the subsequent investigations, care and treatment that he received. It highlights how early detection, prompt treatment, appropriate care and management can enable a person to cope with the devastating diagnosis of bowel cancer, surgery and the need for a stoma. This patient was otherwise well which contributed both to the treatment decision and successful outcome. Unfortunately, not all patients have such an experience, and the measures taken to prevent complications are described.
Fleming Ward, Wrexham Hospital, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, North Wales.
Helen
H
Hunter
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D003125:Colostomy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing*; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*