Role of a Stoma Nurse in the Management of the Specific Stoma-Related Complications.

Nursing care for patients with intestinal stomas is essential for ensuring their comfort, to prevent complications and promote their overall well-being. The quality of life of the patients with stomas can vary widely depending on their ability to adapt to the new physical and emotional state, but also to social changes that came with it. Health care professionals specializing in ostomy care can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process. This study aims to identify and to summarize methods of nursing care for patients with an intestinal stoma and how these impact the perceived quality of life for those patients. Preoperative evaluation by an entero-stomal therapist and stoma site marking has been proved to reduce postoperative complications. Many of the peristomal skin complications can be prevented entirely by meticulous skin care. Follow-up is essential for the patient with a newly acquired intestinal ostomy to detect and provide treatment for ostomy-related complications that may occur. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help manage parastomal hernias effectively and improve the patient's quality of life.

Peristomal skin care: seeking the solution to maintain skin integrity?

Francesca Ramadan reviews the mechanisms, benefits and limitations of the most common peristomal skin complication treatments, empowering stoma care practitioners to provide more effective and personalised solutions for their patients.

Stoma care: an update.

Each year an estimated 13 500 stoma surgeries are carried out in the UK (Kettle, 2019). Stoma surgery may involve the formation of a colostomy or an ileostomy. The person with a stoma may require help and support from the community nurse. This article aims to update readers on the indications for colostomy and ileostomy surgery and to enable them to support ostomates to reduce the risks of complications.

Assessing and documenting dark skin tones in stoma care.

The stoma care nurse (SCN) assesses peristomal skin during each patient intervention. Living in a diverse multicultural society, the SCN needs to consider dark skin tones and how these are documented. This article looks at how the literature on peristomal skin assessment and available tools discuss skin colour, and compare this with the tissue viability literature. Stoma care and peristomal skin literature features very little about skin colour. Registered nurses are often unaware of the differences when assessing light skin tones versus dark skin tones. The article discusses how to assess for, identify and document problems around peristomal skin with patients who have dark skin tones. The differences in skin breakdown between light skin tones and dark skin tones are highlighted. There needs to be further research and development of tools to assist clinicians in identification and documentation relating to skin tone, thus providing consistency in assessment.

Psychometric validation of the Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0.

Background: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) pose a major challenge for people living with an ostomy. To avoid severe PSCs, it is important that people with an ostomy check their peristomal skin condition on a regular basis and seek professional help when needed. Aim: To validate a new ostomy skin tool (OST 2.0) that will make regular assessment of the peristomal skin easier. Methods: Seventy subjects participating in a clinical trial were eligible for the analysis and data used for the validation. Item-level correlation with anchors, inter-item correlations, convergent validity of domains, test-retest reliability, anchor- and distribution-based methods for assessment of meaningful change were all part of the psychometric validation of the tool. Results: A final tool was established including six patient reported outcome items and automatic assessment of the discolored peristomal area. Follow-up with cognitive debriefing interviews assured that the concepts were considered relevant for people with an ostomy. Conclusion: The OST 2.0 demonstrated evidence supporting its reliability and validity as an outcome measure to capture both visible and non-visible peristomal skin complications.

Using a convex ostomy appliance to manage peristomal skin complications: introducing Aura Plus Soft Convex.

This article explores convex stoma appliances, introduces Aura Plus Soft Convex (CliniMed) and presents three case studies of its use. Convexity applies pressure to flatten uneven peristomal skin and form an effective adhesive seal, as well as increase protrusion of a poorly spouted stoma. This reduces the risk of leaks and peristomal skin damage, as well as minimising accessory use. Excess pressure can damage the skin, so convexity should be used with caution at the appropriate depth and firmness for the ostomate's body profile and stomal complications. Aura Plus Soft Convex has a soft and flexible baseplate for easy application and adherence, as well as a unique shape, comfort curves and a large adhesive area to reduce creases and leaks. The hydrocolloid contains Manuka honey to promote skin health, and integral belt loops offer additional security. The case studies show how this appliance can restore peristomal skin integrity and relieve stoma-related anxiety; provide gentle support for a flush stoma and a rounded abdomen; and prevent leaks and improve quality of life after years of stoma-related complications.

Using a convex ostomy appliance to manage peristomal skin complications: introducing Aura Plus Soft Convex.

This article explores convex stoma appliances, introduces Aura Plus Soft Convex (CliniMed) and presents three case studies of its use. Convexity applies pressure to flatten uneven peristomal skin and form an effective adhesive seal, as well as increase protrusion of a poorly spouted stoma. This reduces the risk of leaks and peristomal skin damage, as well as minimising accessory use. Excess pressure can damage the skin, so convexity should be used with caution at the appropriate depth and firmness for the ostomate's body profile and stomal complications. Aura Plus Soft Convex has a soft and flexible baseplate for easy application and adherence, as well as a unique shape, comfort curves and a large adhesive area to reduce creases and leaks. The hydrocolloid contains Manuka honey to promote skin health, and integral belt loops offer additional security. The case studies show how this appliance can restore peristomal skin integrity and relieve stoma-related anxiety; provide gentle support for a flush stoma and a rounded abdomen; and prevent leaks and improve quality of life after years of stoma-related complications.

Peristomal Skin Complications: Detailed Analysis of a Web-Based Survey and Predictive Risk Factors.

Patients with a stoma are at risk of developing peristomal skin complications (PSCs) that can negatively impact their quality of life. This study aims to identify potential risk factors for dermatitis, pruritis/xerosis, infections, and ulcerations among patients with a stoma and evaluate preventive measures. This cross-sectional study involved data regarding 232 Italian patients with a stoma. A questionnaire was used to collect patient characteristics, comorbidities, and stoma management data. The most frequent PSCs observed were dermatitis and pruritis/xerosis in approximately 60% of patients. Psoriasis was strongly correlated with dermatitis, while being overweight or obese increased the risk of pruritis/xerosis. Class 2 obesity and atopic dermatitis were associated with an increased risk of infections. Being underweight, completely nonautonomous, and having inflammatory bowel disease were associated with a higher risk of ulcerations, while radiotherapy was a strong risk factor for ulceration. Preventive measures such as using hydrocolloid barriers, TNT gauze cleansing, and low pH detergent were effective in preventing dermatitis. Appropriate stoma care and maintenance, including the use of protective film and careful monitoring of weight and comorbidities, are crucial in minimizing the risk of complications associated with a stoma.

Peristomal Pseudoverrucous Lesions: A Rare Skin Complication of Colostomy.

A 56-year-old female patient with colostomy presented with skin-colored cobblestone and verrucous asymptomatic papules on her peristomal skin for three months; she was referred to dermatology. Histopathology revealed irregular acanthosis, tongue-like extension of rete ridges of mature squamous epithelium without atypical morphology, hyperkeratosis, and inflammation of the skin. The histopathologic appearance was evaluated as compatible with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. No signs of malignancy, fungus, or koilocytes were found. The lesions were diagnosed as pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia by clinical and histopathologic findings. In this case report, we review pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia associated with colostomy.

Beclometasone inhaler-induced recovery of refractory peri-ileostomy skin complications.

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are relatively common in ostomy patients, particularly in those with ileostomies. Non-healing irritation presents a clinical challenge and leads to pain and impaired quality of life for patients. METHODS: The cases of four ileostomy patients experiencing severe, challenging PSCs refractory to appliance changes, conventional dressings and barrier creams are discussed. FINDINGS: The cases of one male and one female patient with an end ileostomy post-subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis, one female with a defunctioning ileostomy post-anterior resection for sigmoid carcinoma and one male with an end ileostomy with a complex Crohn's surgical history are described. Two puffs of a 250 mcg metered dose beclometasone inhaler were applied to the affected skin once or twice daily. Treatment ranged from 6 to 21 days. Complete resolution was seen in all cases. CONCLUSION: Topical use of a beclometasone inhaler was effective for severe peri-ileostomy PSC secondary to four different aetiologies. Further studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of this treatment in a larger patient cohort.

Evaluation of Clinical Results regarding Peristomal Skin Health Associated with the Adjustment and Formulation of the New Moderma Flex One-Piece Ostomy Devices.

In order to determine the perception of ostomized patients about the performance and safety of the new one-piece device Moderma Flex, as well as the evolution of peristomal skin health after its use. The pre- and post-experimental multicenter study after the use of the Moderma Flex one-piece ostomy device on 306 ostomized people from 68 hospitals in Spain. We used a self-made questionnaire on the usefulness of different parts of the device and the perception of peristomal skin improvement. The sample was composed of 54.6% (167) men and had an average age of 64.5 years (standard deviation = 15.43). The type of device most commonly used according to its opening was closed by 45.1% (138). In addition, for the type of barrier, the most frequently used is the flat one; 47.7% (146) and 38.9% (119) used a model of soft convexity. A total of 48% scored with the highest assessment in the perception of skin improvement. The percentage of patients with peristomal skin problems decreased from 35.9% at the first visit to less than 8% after the use of Moderma Flex. Further, 92.4% (257) had no skin problems, the most frequent being erythema. The use of the Moderma Flex device seems to be related to a reduction in peristomal skin complications and a perception of improvement.

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of peristomal skin lesions by remote imaging: An expert validation study.

BACKGROUND: Prevention and treatment of peristomal skin problems should be a priority for nurses caring for ostomates, even when the assessment of lesions must be done remotely. OBJECTIVE: To measure the level of agreement on assessment, diagnosis and care indications for peristomal skin lesions using remote imaging among nurses in Spain. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicentre study to assess the diagnostic validity and inter- and intraobserver agreement between nurses in peristomal skin lesions. Data were collected between March and October 2019. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The research sample consisted of a group of 39 nurses with expertise in the care of ostomates. METHODS: A panel of experts established a list of 24 common signs/findings, 15 diagnostic options and 35 treatment approaches for peristomal skin lesions. Three expert stoma therapy nurses compiled the clinical cases, which they described thoroughly and documented with photographs. The 39 participating nurses evaluated the cases in two rounds to measure inter and intraobserver agreement. RESULTS: A high or very high level of agreement (κ > 0.61) was observed for the following signs: encrustation, nodules, mucocutaneous separation and varicose veins; for the following diagnoses: mucocutaneous dehiscence, allergic contact dermatitis, encrustation and varicose veins (caput medusae); for the following treatments: recommending a diet rich in vitamin C/blueberries, applying acetic acid dressings, applying cold and topical tacrolimus treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The most easily identifiable lesions were those most prevalent and with visible signs. There was a lower level of agreement in identifying lesions for which photographs required additional information (laboratory data, description of signs and symptoms, type of diet and level of self-care). It is important to train nurses caring for ostomates to correctly describe ostomy-related lesions, which is important for nursing records, continuity of care and telehealth care.

Results of an audit of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool.

BACKGROUND: Leakage is the number one concern for people with an ostomy. The 2019 Ostomy Life Study, a global study of more than 5000 ostomates, showed that 92% of people living with a stoma worry about leakage. Getting the right stoma appliance for each patient is key to increasing patient quality of life. AIM: The study was designed to assess the use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool in helping choose the most appropriate stoma products for a given patient, decreasing incidents of leakage and peristomal skin complications. METHODS: A multi-centre (33 sites, 147 patients) low-interventional clinical investigation was conducted in which the use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool was evaluated as a tool to reduce incidents of leakage, increase peristomal skin health and increase patient quality of life. A focus group of randomised participating clinicians (n=16) was held to explore the audit results. RESULTS: The assessment tool most often took between 2 and 5 minutes to complete. It supported clinicians in selecting the right appliance for each patient, avoiding leakages and preventing associated peristomal skin complications. The assessment tool helped improve the accuracy and quality of documentation in the patients' medical/nursing notes, increasing the quality and continuity of care. Participants reported that using the assessment tool helped reduce care costs by reducing the need for product changes, supporting product usage and return patient visits. CONCLUSION: Use of the Peristomal Body Profile Assessment Tool helped clinicians choose the most appropriate stoma appliance the first time, resulting in patients having healthier peristomal skin, fewer leakages, more confidence in their stoma appliance and a higher quality of life.

Evolving stoma appliances to improve patient outcomes and increase stoma acceptance.

Adjusting to life with a stoma can be difficult physically and emotionally. Preoperative counselling, where possible in cases of elective surgery, is fundamental to preparing those facing stoma formation, and a lack of support can be detrimental and can increase the risk of stoma patients experiencing complications. The stoma care nurse specialist (SCN) uses a range of clinical skills and specialist knowledge to support a patient through their surgical pathway; this is important for helping patients gain the skills and confidence to care for their stoma and reduce the risk of stoma-related complications. Complications are common and can reduce patient wellbeing and quality of life. As well as patient education and SCN support, using the appropriate stoma care appliances is important in achieving positive outcomes and preventing complications. Furthermore, the correct appliance for an individual patient can help to improve their confidence and wellbeing, leading to better stoma acceptance by meeting their needs and allowing them to carry out everyday life without feeling obstructed by having a stoma pouch. This article discusses the Aura Plus stoma pouch range, and highlights the features designed to prevent common complications and improve patient outcomes and confidence. A case study demonstrates how Aura Plus led to positive outcomes for a patient who had been experiencing significant leakage and peristomal skin complications when using a multitude of different pouches. The change to Aura Plus resolved these complications and led to improved wellbeing and quality of life.

Prevalence of leakage and its negative impact on quality of life in people living with a stoma in the UK.

BACKGROUND: People with a stoma are reported to experience leakage, which negatively impacts patient quality of life (QoL). AIM: To assess the impact of leakage experienced by individuals with a stoma in the UK. METHODS: Data were analysed from 301 patients living in the UK who completed a questionnaire concerning the physical and psychosocial impact of living with a stoma. FINDINGS: Most respondents had had their stoma for more than 5 years. Nine out of 10 worried about leakage to varying degrees and half the respondents accepted that this was a worry they had to live with. Almost 70% experienced leakage onto clothes within the preceding year, and 28% experienced this monthly. Peristomal skin complications were experienced by 82% of respondents, the severity of which correlated with reductions in QoL. CONCLUSION: Despite the consequential negative impact of leakage on QoL, individuals are not seeking advice to resolve leakage-related issues, including from their specialist stoma care nurse.

Aplicación de convexidad ligera y anillos moldeables en ostomía para evitar fugas en el postoperatorio precoz del paciente con ostomía digestiva: estudio CONAN / Application of slight convexity and moldable rings in ostomy to prevent leaks in the early postoperative period of patients with digestive ostomy: CONAN study

Objetivo: evaluar la seguridad y la efectividad de la cura CONAN, teniendo en cuenta la reducción del número de fugas, el estado de la piel periestomal y la calidad de vida percibida por el paciente. Método: estudio prospectivo no-randomizado de ámbito nacional, realizado en 54 unidades de estomaterapia, para evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la cura CONAN consistente en el uso de dispositivo Easiflex® Confort Convex Light y de anillos moldeables Brava® en el postoperatorio precoz de pacientes con ostomía digestiva con pérdidas de efluente. La intención del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de esta estrategia para disminuir la pérdida, prevenir el deterioro de la piel periestomal y aumentar el bienestar de los pacientes al alta. Se compararon diferencias estadísticas entre estas variables empleando las pruebas t-test, Chi cuadrado, Mc Nemar y Bowker. Resultados: se evaluaron 257 pacientes y 244 completaron el estudio. Con la cura CONAN el número de fugas se redujo en el 56% de los pacientes y el número medio de fugas evolucionó de 3,4 ± 5,2 (V1) a 1,3 ± 2,3 (V2) (p< 0,0001). El 62% de los pacientes que tenía problemas en la piel dejó de tenerlos y la mejora en las condiciones de la piel fue muy evidente. La puntuación media DET cambió de 3,3 ± 3,3 (V1) a 1,6 ± 2,3 (V2) (p< 0,0001). La satisfacción media percibida por el paciente evolucionó de 5,1 ± 2 (V1) a 7,2 ± 1,7 (V2) (p< 0,0001). La proporción de pacientes con estoma protruido aumentó de 32,9% a 40% (p= 0,025). La mayoría de los pacientes retomó sus hábitos diarios: 67% pasear, 75% salir de casa, 55% descansar por la noche. El 92% de los participantes deseó seguir usando el dispositivo Easiflex® Convex Light. Conclusiones: los pacientes con ostomía digestiva y fuga de efluentes en el periodo postoperatorio temprano se benefician claramente del empleo del dispositivo convexo suave (Easiflex® Confort Convex Light) con anillo moldeable (Brava®). Se confirmó la seguridad y efectividad de este abordaje.(AU)

Objective: to assess the safety and efficacy of the CONAN cure, taking into account the reduction in the number of leaks, the status of peristomal skin, and the quality of life perceived by the patient. Method: a prospective non-randomized study at national level, conducted in 54 Stomal Therapy Units, in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CONAN cure, consisting in the use of the Easiflex® Confort Convex Light device and Brava® moldable rings during the early post-surgical stage in patients with digestive system ostomy with effluent leaks. The study intended to evaluate the effect of this strategy on leak reduction, to prevent peristomal skin deterioration, and to increase the wellbeing of patients at discharge. Statistical differences were compared between these variables, using the t-test, Squared-chi, McNemar and Bowker tests. Results: there was an evaluation of 257 patients, and 244 completed the study. With the CONAN cure, the number of leaks was reduced in 56% of patients, and the mean number of leaks moved from 3.4 ± 5.2 (V1) to 1.3 ± 2.3 (V2) (p< 0.0001); skin problems disappeared in 62% of patients who presented them, and the improvement in skin condition was highly evident. There was a change in the mean DET score from 3.3 ± 3.3 (V1) to 1.6 ± 2.3 (V2) (p< 0.0001). The mean satisfaction perceived by the patient increased from 5.1 ± 2 (V1) to 7.2 ± 1.7 (V2) (p< 0.0001). The proportion of patients with protruding stoma increased from 32.9% to 40% (p= 0.025). The majority of patients resumed their daily habits: 67% going for walks, 75% going out of their house, and 55% resting at night; 92% of participants wanted to continue using the Easiflex® Convex Light device. Conclusions: patients with digestive system ostomy and effluent leak during their early post-surgical period could clearly benefit of using the soft convex device (Easiflex® Confort Convex Light) with moldable ring (Brava®). The safety and efficacy of this approach was confirmed.

Course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies: A longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: To examined the course and predictors of psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies. METHODS: 131 survivors were considered in this longitudinal study. Participants were measured at first month (T1), third month (T2), and sixth month (T3) post-operation. Psychological distress, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were measured. All participants' sociodemographic data were collected one day before discharge. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the course of psychological distress. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine the predictors. RESULTS: The prevalence of mild to severe psychological distress in colorectal cancer survivors undergoing colostomy at T1, T2 and T3 was 96.94%, 88.55%, and 29.77%，respectively. The difference of psychological distress in survivors with ostomies at T1, T2 and T3 was statistically significant (F = 603.310, P < 0.001). Higher level psychological distress was generally differentiated by no religious belief, spouse caregiver, first and third month after ostomy, permanent enterostomy, peristomal skin complications and stomal complications. CONCLUSION: Survivors generally experience psychological distress, especially at first and third month after surgery. A multidisciplinary collaborative group comprised of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence/Enterostomal Therapy nurses and doctors, as well as psychological counselors, peer educators, and other participants, should be formed to conduct continuous assessments and management of psychological distress. Permanent enterostomies at first and third month after surgery, with spouse caregiver and no religious belief, with peristomal skin complications and stomal complications were being a priority for targeted attention.

The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0: a new instrument for assessing peristomal skin changes.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are frequently reported postoperative complications. PSCs can present visibly or as symptoms such as pain, itching or burning sensations. AIM: To develop a new tool that can capture a range of sensation symptoms together with visible complications and an objective assessment of discolouration in the peristomal area. METHOD: Consensus from qualitative interviews with health professionals and people with an ostomy, and input from expert panels, formed the basis of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire. A decision tree model was used to define a combined score including PRO and objectively assessed discolouration area. FINDINGS: Six elements were included in the PRO questionnaire and four health states representing different severity levels of the peristomal skin were defined. CONCLUSION: The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 is a sensitive tool that can be used to follow changes in the peristomal skin on a regular basis and thereby help prevent severe PSCs.

A new approach with a novel silicone adhesive stoma bag: a clinical study on peristomal skin and quality of life.

The care of peristomal skin is a major challenge for people living with a stoma, as well as stoma care nurses. Peristomal skin complications include medical adhesive-related skin injuries/skin stripping, moisture-associated skin damage and contact dermatitis. There is also a limited choice of hydrocolloid adhesive stoma bags. This article reports on the introduction of Genii™, a new stoma bag that sticks with a unique breathable silicone adhesive. The study investigated the experiences of 61 colostomates over a 6-week period, examining the effect on their peristomal skin and their quality of life, in terms of sleep, self-image, social confidence and exercise, and overall product performance. The majority of study participants reported a positive experience when using the stoma bag.

Peristomal Skin Complications in Ileostomy and Colostomy Patients: What We Need to Know from a Public Health Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are the most common skin problems seen after ostomy surgery. They have a considerable impact on a patient's quality of life and contribute to a higher cost of care. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted, querying three databases. The analysis was performed on international studies focused on the clinical-epidemiological burden of PSCs in adult patients with ileostomy/colostomy. RESULTS: Overall, 23 studies were considered. The main diseases associated with ostomy surgery were rectal, colon and gynecological cancers, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction and intestinal perforation. Erythema, papules, skin erosions, ulcers and vesicles were the most common PSCs for patients with an ostomy (or stoma). A PSCs incidence ranging from 36.3% to 73.4% was described. Skin complications increased length of stay (LOS) and rates of readmission within 120 days of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PSCs data are still limited. A knowledge of their burden is essential to support health personnel and decision-makers in identifying the most appropriate responses to patients' needs. Proper management of these complications plays a fundamental role in improving the patient's quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach, as well as increased patient education and their empowerment, are priority measures to be implemented to foster a value-based healthcare.