Bowel diversion, also known as colostomy, is a surgical procedure in which an opening is created in the abdominal wall to create an outlet for stool from the large intestine. This procedure is performed when the typical passage of stool through the bowel is disrupted, which can occur due to conditions such as colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or trauma.
A colostomy operation aims to provide an outlet for stool from the body that cannot be produced in the usual way through the rectum and anus. During the procedure, the bowel is cut to create an opening through which the colon’s contents can exit and be collected in a unique bag attached to the skin on the abdominal wall (Berti-Hearn & Elliott, 2019). Colostomies can be temporary or permanent. Temporary colostomies may be used to temporarily bypass an obstruction, such as a tumor, to allow the colon to heal after surgery. Permanent colostomies may be necessary if the colon has been removed or cannot be restored.
Although colostomies can cause physical and emotional problems, they can also have many benefits. They can help reduce pain associated with some conditions and improve a patient’s quality of life. However, patients may find it difficult to adjust to a colostomy, and education is necessary to learn how to care for the bag and adapt to a new way of life (Berti-Hearn & Elliott, 2019). Overall, colostomy is a serious surgical procedure that may be necessary to treat various conditions related to the colon. Although it can pose some difficulties for patients, it can also help improve the quality of life and alleviate some painful symptoms.
Colon diversion or colostomy is a serious surgical procedure that can cause preoperative anxiety for patients. Before surgery, medical staff needs to have a detailed conversation with the patient to alleviate their concerns and issues (Berti-Hearn & Elliott, 2019). Patients may worry about many aspects of the operation, such as pain, anxiety about future health and life, as well as changes to their lifestyle. Nursing staff must take a systematic approach to alleviate patient anxiety. This may include discussing potential problems, warning about how to cope with them, and informing patients about what to expect after the operation. Nurses may also use other methods to alleviate anxiety, such as conducting relaxation exercises and psychological support.
Before performing a colostomy, specific measures must be taken to reduce the risk of infection. This may include the use of antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as thorough sterilization of instruments and equipment (Lynn, 2022). Nurses should also monitor patient hygiene to avoid infection, such as regular skin washing and antiseptics. Postoperative measures also include pain control and anesthesia. For most colostomy operations, general anesthesia is used. Nurses must monitor the patient’s pain sensations after the operation and provide him with the necessary medication to relieve pain. In addition, nurses should monitor the patient after the operation and his general health state. They should also educate patients on how to care for the bag after the operation to prevent possible complications
The circulating nurse plays a vital role in diverting the intestine or colostomy. In the operating conditions, her duties include many tasks, from preparing the patient for the operation to monitoring his condition after the operation. Initially, the circulating nurse should prepare the patient for surgery. This includes gathering all necessary medical data, conducting analyses and examinations, and discussing all aspects of the surgery with the patient (Lynn, 2022). The nurse should ensure that the patient understands what a colostomy is, its consequences, and what the stoma will look like. In addition, the circulating nurse should review all medical protocols and recommendations to ensure that the patient is adequately prepared for the operation (Jago, et al., 2021). She should also ensure that all necessary equipment and tools are available in the operating room and that all medical staff teams are ready to work.
During the operation, the circulating nurse should monitor the patient’s condition and watch his breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital indicators. She should ensure that the patient is in the correct position and posture for the operation and also ensure that all medical protocols and instructions are followed (Jago, et al., 2021). After the operation, the circulating nurse should continue to monitor the patient’s condition and provide necessary assistance. She should check that the patient has regained consciousness and is breathing normally and monitor pain and other symptoms after the operation. She should also monitor the operation of the drainage systems and replace them when necessary.
In conclusion, the circulating nurse plays a vital role in caring for patients with colostomy. She must possess knowledge and skills in colostomy care and be able to provide emotional support to the patient and his family during the adaptation period. In addition, she should be responsible for documenting and reporting patient condition changes to physicians. All of these measures will help ensure the safety and comfort of the patient in the operating room and after discharge from the hospital.
References
Berti-Hearn, L., & Elliott, B. (2019). Colostomy care: A guide for home care clinicians. Home Healthcare Now, 37(2), 68-78.
Jago, C. A., Nguyen, D. B., Flaxman, T. E., & Singh, S. S. (2021). Bowel surgery for endometriosis: A practical look at short-and long-term complications. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 71, 144-160.
Lynn, P. (2022). Taylor’s clinical nursing skills. Wolters Kluwer Health.