Stomal and peristomal complications management: a retrospective study

Correctly identifying and managing stomal and peristomal complications are key to assisting individuals with an ostomy when they are facing challenges with self-care. Providers that are knowledgeable and experienced with stomal and peristomal care are vital when complications arise. Providing care that is consistent with findings in current high evidence-based literature supports the goal of providing optimal patient outcomes in a timely manner. The objective of this study was to explore stomal and peristomal that presented in an outpatient ostomy clinic and compare these interventions with information found in the literature.

This retrospective study used a sample population of convenience that included adult patients aged ≥18 years who presented for stomal or peristomal complications in an outpatient ostomy clinic in northwest Ohio, US. Electronic medical records were reviewed to determine the presenting stomal or peristomal complication(s) of each patient and treatment was provided or prescribed. The interventions were then compared with information found in the literature. Length of treatment and reasons for referral to the surgeon that created the stoma were also reviewed.

This study showed that interventions for adult individuals with a stomal or peristomal complications that presented to the clinic were consistent with that found in the literature. This study also sought to deliver information to healthcare providers that may not be directly involved in ostomy care, helping to increase their understanding of problems that patients with an ostomy may experience.

This study showed that interventions completed in this setting where the research took place was consistent with information found in literature.