Enteral ostomies are common in the management of patients with gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, intestinal trauma and intestinal perforation. An estimated 750,000 Americans live with an ostomy and 130,000 new ostomy surgeries occur in the U.S. annually. People with ostomies often face postsurgical complications and challenges to daily self-care. Studies have suggested that adequate stomal care improves clinical outcomes and reduces hospitalizations. However, little guidance exists to support clinicians in managing patients with an ostomy beyond the immediate perioperative period.
This CPU was commissioned to provide timely guidance regarding the different types of ostomies, unique challenges of each, and treatment strategies to provide high-quality ostomy care to patients.
