Post-operative Peristomal Skin Complications in Children with Colostomy.

Abstract

Background: Colostomies are common in pediatric surgical practice. Despite improvements in surgical methods, surgical morbidity and complications rates are still high; Peristomal skin complications affect 18%-73% of children So this study aimed to assess post-operative peristomal skin complications in children with colostomy. Descriptive research design was used in this study. Subjects included 30 children with colostomy from pediatric surgical unit in Assiut University Children Hospital and Pediatric Surgery clinic. Two tools were used for gathering the necessary data which included a structured questionnaire for personal and medical data of children and Ostomy Skin Tool to assess the condition of peristomal skin complications. Results showed that, (66.7%) of children had moderate peristomal skin complications at one week from the operation while at the first month; two fifths of children had severe complications. At the second month, (66.7%) of children had severe peristomal skin complications while majority of them in the third month had severe complications. Conclusion discoloration and erosion complications were the most peristomal skin complications that occurred after colostomy. Therefore, it is recommended that further research should be expanded to include a larger sample, focusing on effects of peristomal skin problems on the child and family.