Stomatherapy Healthcare of the urinary or digestive stoma
An ostomy consists of the surgical construction of an artificial communication between two anatomical structures, usually between an hollow organ (stomach, intestine or bladder) and the skin. Stoma means the anastomotic "mouth" or "orifice" performed surgically and outside the ostomy.
The most common causes underlying the need to build a stoma are neurogenic dysfunctions and neoplastic diseases. Ostomies can be permanent or temporary, according to the pathology that gave rise to them.
The construction of an ostomy causes significant changes in the lifestyle of the ostomate, assuming a great impact on their self-esteem due to the alteration of their body image, and consequently on their social relationships, sexual activity and performance, as well as on their work capacity, resulting cumulatively in the deterioration of their quality of life.
The ostomized patient faces a series of physiological and emotional changes with repercussions on himself/herself, on his/her family and on his/her surroundings, which is why the patient should have a specialized and multidisciplinary follow-up.
Having the training of ostomized patients in mind, as well as their caregivers, Clínica Longeva develops a training program for self-care of the stoma.
This program consists of observed training sessions, demystification of fears and beliefs related to the condition of ostomates, advice for the selection and management of ostomy material, as well as training to handle it, and of screening and early treatment of complications related to different ostomies.
The most common late complications in any type of ostomy are peri-stoma skin lesions. There are still other types of complications that are associated with a higher prevalence of each type of ostomy, namely the formation of granulomas, peristomal hernias, retraction, stenosis and prolapse of the stoma, which must be diagnosed in a timely manner in order to minimize damage and complications. which can jeopardize the functioning of the ostomy and severely interfere with the quality of life.
In the stomatherapy consultation, the stoma is evaluated and appropriate care is provided and / or planned, as well as all information regarding frequent care, symptoms to be valued and the most appropriate ostomy materials is provided.
The consultation will always be performed by a nurse with the sub-specialization of Stomatherapy, with competence certified by the Portuguese Order of Nurses.