ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on preoperative preparation of the patient who will, or possibly will, undergo surgery requiring an ostomy, as well as postoperative follow-up in the ambulatory clinic setting. A number of diagnoses may result in determining that a patient will undergo surgery requiring an ostomy. Ascertaining the patient’s education level, type of employment, and normal physical activities aids individualizing information related to various aspects of living with an ostomy is also important. Preoperative stoma site selection is a critical component in preparing all patients scheduled for ostomy surgery regardless of whether the intended ostomy is temporary or permanent, and even if it is only a possibility that a stoma will be created. Standard accepted practice supports siting an ileostomy or ascending colostomy on the right and a descending or sigmoid colostomy on the left. Stomal and peristomal complications in ostomy patients can be the result of surgical technique, medical management, changes in body contour, or patient self-care practices.
