Self-perceptions about having an ostomy: a postoperative analysis

The aim of this study is to identify the self-perceptions of patients at different postoperative phases and settings. The case study involves two ostomy patients: a young woman with a temporary ileostomy, and an older man with a permanent colostomy. Both patients were interviewed while still in the hospital on the third, fifth, and seventh postoperative days, and on the second day of the first and third months after discharge. Four major factors were identified after the patients were analyzed: social support, health and life expectations, physical suffering, and self-care. Family support predominated the social support category for both patients. The results showed that the patients' perceptions about having an ostomy were not influenced by the type of ostomy (i.e., whether the ostomy was temporary or permanent in the in-hospital phase). However, these results/perceptions, primarily those related to health and life expectancy and self-care, changed early in the study. We believe it is important for the healthcare team to know the perceptions patients have about their ostomies and themselves postoperatively. This, in turn, may contribute to systematic and personalized care based on specific patients' demands that vary at different stages of treatment and, most certainly, in different cultures.