Postoperative outcomes among cancer patients undergoing colorectal diversion at Assiut University hospital : suggested nursing intervention protocol

Abstract EN

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in both developed and developing nations.

Early and late problems may be faced by patients after colostomy surgery.

Assessment and management of stoma complications d-e the responsibility of nurses across the continuum of care and played a central role in the clinical appreciation and postoperative management as evidenced by interest in managing postoperative outcomes and treating the complications.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing permanent colorectal diversion.

Subjects and Methods, sixty patients were selected from the General Surgical Units in Assiut University Hospital and Upper Egypt Cancer Institute, their age ranged between 30- 70 years with mean age of 50.30 ± 11.28 yrs.

Tools used for data collection were Socio-demographic and Medical Data Sheet; Physical and Social Assessment Sheet; Nutritional Assessment Form and Rosenberg's Global Self Esteem scale (RGSEs).

Structured interview was utilizedfor data collection The results of the study showed that, 5% had stoma retraction, stomal fistula and mucocutaneous separation and 8.3% had stomal infection and 21.7% had skin breakdown and skin irritation.

Half of the sample had gases, and 23.3% suffered from leakage.

Social problems and low self-esteem were found among more than half ofstudy subjects.

The most of the patients had underweight, subnormal values of hemoglobin, albumin and white blood cells were found.

The study concluded that, patients undergoing permanent colorectal diversion exhibited different physical, social, self-esteem and nutritional changes and need effective measures to prevent /reduce these complications.

Recommendations: Another further study on a larger sample and for 6 months to one year as a minimum time for follow up is recommended, encourage preoperative physical, social, psychological and nutritional preparation for colostomy's patient and design a rehabilitation program for patients with permanent colostomy.