Preoperative stoma siting and education by stomatherapists of colorectal cancer patients: a descriptive study in twelve Spanish colorectal surgical units.
OBJECTIVE
Patients with colorectal cancer who need a stoma should undergo preoperative marking of the stoma site and education by a trained stomatherapist. This study examined the care received by ostomy patients with colorectal cancer in Spanish colorectal surgery units, to assess its quality and to detect areas for improvement.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted in twelve Spanish colorectal surgery units in Spain including patients visited by the stomatherapist after surgery for colorectal cancer. Each patient answered a questionnaire about their stoma care.


RESULTS
Between September 2007 and May 2008, 270 patients were included, (63% colostomies, 37% ileostomies). Of whom; 75% had elective and 25% emergency surgery. Stomatherapist marked the stoma site in 45,6% of patients (0% emergency created stomas and 58,8% elective). However, patients who saw a stoma therapist preoperatively presented significantly lower rates of stoma complications (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) compared to those who did not postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
The study has demonstrated the importance of preoperative stomatherapy assessment.
Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain. monica.millan@ymail.com
Monica
M
Millan
Montse
M
Tegido
Sebastiano
S
Biondo
Eduardo
E
García-Granero
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000193:education*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000193:education*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000193:education*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain; D013531:Surgicenters; D013997:Time Factors