NRSG258 Acute Care: Physical and Psychological Effects of Ileostomy

This presentation addresses the physical and psychological effects of an ileostomy, particularly in the context of a patient named Steve who underwent a temporary loop ileostomy due to rectosigmoid cancer. The physical effects discussed include skin excoriations, pouch leakage, foul odor, gas emission, and limitations in lifting heavy objects, highlighting the need for support and management strategies. The psychological effects encompass social anxiety, depression, reduced participation in pleasurable activities, and potential sexual dysfunction. The presentation emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support to minimize these effects and improve the patient's quality of life, acknowledging that some patients may experience improved satisfaction post-ileostomy despite these challenges. Desklib offers a wealth of similar study resources for students.

ILEOSTOMY
P H Y S I C A L A N D P S Y C H O L O G I C A L E F F E C T S
S t u d e n t s N a m e
I n s t i t u t i o n a l A ffi l i a t i o n

A stoma is an artificial opening in the abdominal wall, which connects a hollow
viscus(bowel, urinary tract) to the outside environment to divert faeces or urine to the
exterior and collected in an external appliance.
It can be permanent or temporary
A stoma involving the colon is a colostomy and that involving the ilium is an
ileostomy.
Ileostomy can be either a loop ileostomy or an end ileostomy.
Ileostomy indications include diseases of the small or large bowel for example
decompression in diverticulosis, protection of distal bowel in distal bowel surgery,
after removal of distal bowel in bowel cancers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Steve had a loop ileostomy due to rectosigmoid cancer that was resected. His
ileostomy was a temporary ileostomy subject to reversal

Physical Effects Of Ileostomy .
The physical effects of living with an ileostomy include:
• Skin excoriations, rashes and irritation
• Pouch leakage
• Foul smell
• Gas emission from the stoma
• Inability to lift heavy objects.
Steve needs support to minimize this effects and live with minimal
limitations. Emollients and creams are available to lessen the stressful
excoriations. Pouch leakage could be dealt with by using high quality
watertight pouches. The foul odor could be eliminated by good hygiene
and care of the stoma.

Psychological Effects Of Ileostomy .
The psychological effects of living with an ileostomy include:
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Reduced involvement in pleasurable activities including sexual
dysfunction.
Other patients however noted improved quality of life and satisfaction
after an ileostomy procedure. Some patients may have had far worse
distressing symptoms from their individual diagnoses like the pain of
cancer, or the morbidity associated with inflammatory bowel syndromes