What the patient needs to know before stoma siting: an overview

Stoma siting is often regarded as the most important aspect of pre-operative stoma preparation (Readding, 2003; Rutledge et al, 2003), however, time spent with the patient discussing the finer points of surgery and what can be expected throughout the process is also crucial. Having the opportunity to meet with individual patients prior to surgery allows for the advanced exchange of information and the ability to discuss stoma formation from conception to ultimate patient management in its entirety. This arms the patient with the relevant information before surgery ever takes place, and prepares him or her for the time ahead. This article looks at the steps taken by the stoma care nurse (SCN) in preparing the patient for such surgery.