Ostomies

Abstract

Ostomies are relatively frequent in emergent and elective abdominal surgery but often neglected and relegated to the junior or less experinced members of the operating team. In Croatia there are about 5000 patients with either ileostomy or colostomy. Patients do receive preoperative and postoperative counseling about living with a stoma. Most patients can be reassured and made more comfortable with the concept. It is important to stress the necessity of stoma formation: sometimes it is the only option after intestinal resection or in emergency setting surgery, protection from severe abdominal infection or improvement quality of life in most patients with disordered bowel function (colitis, incontinence). There are also patient groups dealing with the issue. However, concept and stygma of ostomies should be delt with in a more general fashion and the entire multidisciplinary team and people dealing with these patients on primary care level should be aware of it. Finally, development of concept of enterostomal therapist- specialist available to aid the patient well after the surgery is crucial. In this paper we discussed ostomy formation, possible complications and members of the team dealing with ostomies.