Managing a colostomy or ileostomy in community nursing practice

Elissa Bradshaw1, Brigitte Collins

  • 1Biofeedback, St Marks Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex. elissa.bradshaw@nwlh.nhs.uk

Summary

This article provides essential stoma care information for community nurses, covering ostomates and ileostomates. It emphasizes key aspects of appliance use and dietary recommendations for improved patient independence.

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Introduction
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
There are different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies:
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