Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
"Living with a Stoma": Exploring the Lived Experience of Patients with Permanent Colostomy
Areti Stavropoulou1, Dimitrios Vlamakis1, Evridiki Kaba1
1Department of Nursing, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
Living with a permanent colostomy brings severe changes in patients' lives. The general health status as well as the personal, social and professional life of patients are significantly affected.
Aim:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the lived experience of patients undergoing permanent colostomy.
Material And Methods:
A qualitative research design based on interpretive phenomenology was carried out. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as the data collection method to obtain in-depth information regarding the research topic. The study sample consisted of eight (8) patients who had undergone a permanent colostomy. The data analysis was performed by the method of content analysis.
Results:
From the analysis of the data, three main themes emerged, namely: (A) Experiencing a traumatic event; (B) Living a new reality; (C) Efforts to improve quality of life. Five subthemes were formulated which were encompassed within the respective main themes accordingly.
Conclusion:
Patients with permanent colostomy face significant life changes that are experienced in a traumatic way. Issues such as autonomy, family and organizational support, self-management and empowerment can significantly improve the patients' quality of life. Further research, regarding caregivers' experience, improved community nursing care as well as nurses' views on the needs of colostomy patients and their families, is suggested.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Ostomy Care
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:
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...