Characteristics of the New Ostomy Patient

Introduction/Problem

Certain patient characteristics have been associated with the development of ostomy complications but research is scarce. BMI, older age, emergent surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, having an ileostomy (versus colostomy), a “loop” procedure, poor bowel quality, ischemic colitis, stomal retraction and lack of involvement of a wound, ostomy, continence nurse are factors that have been found to increase the risk of developing complications.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe patient characteristics in patients undergoing ostomy surgery.

Method

This study was a retrospective descriptive design of adult patients hospitalized with ostomy surgery. Patient characteristics that were examined included age, gender, disposition, discharge goal status, ostomy type, reason for surgery, emergent or elective surgery, stoma marked preoperatively, temporary or permanent ostomy, stoma size, stoma height, and body type. IRB approval was obtained.

Statistics

Frequencies were used to examine all patient demographics and were summarized and tabulated. Correlations of measures were examined. ANOVA and Chi-square were used for comparisons of measures.

Results

144 subjects were included in this study, with 60% being male. Age ranged between 20 to 95 years. 58% were emergency procedures versus 37% were elective. The most common reason for surgery was bowel ischemia with the second most common reason being diverticulitis. 50% were colostomies, 37% were ileostomies, and 7% were urostomies. 25% of these stomas were flush or below skin level. 33% of this population was overweight. 32% had some type of complicating factor, such as stoma location, abdominal plane, high output, or not in visual field. Almost 50% were discharged home and 19% were discharged to long term care. 28% had their stoma site marked preoperatively. 65% had their goals met at discharge.

Conclusion

This study provides additional evidence of some of the common patient characteristics that are associated with new ostomy surgery.