Stoma care problems in Lithuania

Abstract

Introduction The aim of study was evaluation of the medical and social problems in patients with colostomies. Methods A questionnaire was mailed to the 241 in whom colostomy was created from 1996 to 1998 in Lithuania. Answers were obtained from 105 patients. Questionnaire included 26 questions regarding main disease, type of colostomy, complications rate, stoma care education, availability of the colostomy appliances and psychological problems in different regions of Lithuania. Results Analysis of the results has shown that main reason for colostomy formation was carcinoma (90.5%). Permanent colostomies were created in 91.8% of cases and temporary in 8.2%. Only 39.1% of patients had pre- operative conversation due to stoma problems with the nursing staff. No pre-operative stoma marking was performed in the series. Complications of colostomy were recorded in 59.8% patients and included mucosa and stoma prolapse, parastomal hernia and stricture. Data have shown that 85.1% of the responding patients are using the colostomy bag constantly, 14.9% occasionally There were no respondents using stoma irrigation systems. 65.5% of respondents were not satisfied with the stoma care education delivered by the nursing staff. Strong correlation was found between complication rate, experience of stoma care, adequacy of stoma care and the type of hospital where the operation was done. The data shows that the majority of patients found their activities of daily living insufficient due to stoma care problems. Discussion It could be concluded that stoma care problems have not been solved in Lithuania. The best way to do that is to concentrate patients with colorectal disease in the hospitals with sufficient experience in this field of surgery. The adequate stoma care evaluation of nursing staff and creation of stomatherapist speciality could positively affect the solving of problems [...].