title: The pre- and postoperative nursing care for patients with a stoma.
abstract: This article revisits the various issues that surround the nurse caring for a patient with a stoma (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy). Understanding the basic anatomy, reasons for stoma formation and the surgical operations, including variations such as continent stomas, can assist the nurse in caring for this patient group. The article discusses briefly the various stoma appliances that can be used by the nurse or ostomate (person with a stoma). Practical tips on pre- and postoperative nursing care of the patient with a newly formed stoma are provided for the nurse. In some cases, unfortunately, complications may occur following stoma-forming surgery; these are discussed and nursing advice provided. One of the most important ways in which the nurse can support the patient is to teach the patient his/her stoma care, ensuring independence before discharge and showing empathy and compassion.
authors.affiliation: St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burch
mesh_terms: D003125:Colostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D003559:Cystostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000451:nursing*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000451:nursing; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*