Intestinal Stomas-Postoperative Stoma Care and Peristomal Skin Complications

Abstract

Intestinal stomas are necessary for several colon and rectal conditions and represent a major change in the new ostomate's daily life. Though dehydration is the most frequent etiology requiring readmission, irritant contact dermatitis and a host of other peristomal skin conditions are more common complications for ostomates. Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses are invaluable resources to both ostomy patients and providers. A few simple interventions can prevent or resolve most common peristomal complications. Good stoma care is possible in a resource-poor environment.

Keywords: colostomy; enterostomal therapy; ileostomy; ostomy; peristomal skin complications.

Figures

Fig. 1

Clean mucocutaneous separation.

Fig. 2

Mucocutaneous separation in a retracted stoma leading to leaking and irritant contact dermatitis.

Fig. 3

Suture granuloma.

Fig. 4

Early moisture change.

Fig. 5

Denuded skin from irritant contact dermatitis.

Fig. 6

Irritant contact dermatitis resulting from leakage.

Fig. 7

Chronic moisture change.

Fig. 8

Pseudoverrucous epitheliomatous hyperplasia.

Fig. 9

Pseudoverrucous epitheliomatous hyperplasia that will interfere with pouching system application.

Fig. 10

Mild allergic contact dermatitis.

Fig. 11

Peristomal folliculitis.

Fig. 12

Peristomal pressure ulcer due to convex pouching system.

Fig. 13

Peristomal bacterial infectionStaphylococcus aureus.

Fig. 14

Adenocarcinoma arising from a stoma.

Fig. 15

Peristomal herpes zoster.