Nutritional Issues Faced by Patients with Intestinal Stoma: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The incidences of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases are increasing in the developed countries of Western Europe and North America, and consequently, the prevalence rate of temporary or permanent stomas has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the amount of research in the nutrition field in the case of patients with stoma is rather limited. This review article aims to assess the impact of nutrition on an intestinal stoma and possible sequelae resolved with nutritional therapy. The research analyses conducted thus far indicate a significantly increased risk of developing malnutrition, vitamin deficiency (especially group B), and an increased number of discharges from the stoma and its relevance with abnormalities found in electrolyte concentrations.

Metabolic and Nutritional Issues after Lower Digestive Tract Surgery: The Important Role of the Dietitian in a Multidisciplinary Setting

“…An ileostomy or colostomy creation may be required temporarily or permanently for the management of a variety of pathologic conditions. Surgeons use various techniques to divert gastrointestinal contents, which helps avoid intra-abdominal contamination and preserve/safeguard anastomoses if continuity can be restored [ 27 ]. A GI surgery resulting in stoma formation can pose risks for patients as a result of the potential for pre-operative malnutrition caused by the underlying disease and prolonged periods of fasting during the immediate pre- and post-operative periods.…”

“…Concerns over diet and nutrition are common among ostomists and their carers. Nutritional complications are usually caused by stoma outputs, the stoma site, and preexisting diseases ( Figure 2 ) [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…If constipation does occur, it can be managed with laxatives, stoma disimpaction, or colonic irrigation. The patient should also be informed that intermittent mucoid discharge is normal either from the distal ostomy site (mucus fistula) or from the anus with ostomies that have a defunctionalized distal limb [ 27 ]. Finally, a balanced diet and adequately conducted nutritional education play a key role in preventing peristomal complications and deficiencies of any nutrients.…”

Stunting Management with Exclusive Breastfeeding, Early Breastfeeding Initiation Toddlers at Sei Panas Community Health Center

“…The quality of Indonesia's human resources (HR) is still seriously impacted by ongoing nutritional issues (Michońska et al, 2023). The frequency of stunting in children under five is one of the nutritional issues that is currently of great concern.…”

Living with and without an intestinal stoma: Factors that promote psychological well‐being and self‐care: A cross‐sectional study

“…The creation of an intestinal stoma results in loss of control over the elimination of bowel content with the latter collected in a disposable pouch which is adhered to the abdomen via an adhesive wafer. Changes in the mode through which faeces and gases are evacuated from the intestine can be challenging, leading to alterations to the digestive system that may impact on nutrient malabsorption, dehydration, high gastrointestinal output, dermatitis and malnutrition (Mathis et al., 2013 ; Michońska et al., 2023 ). This can be complicated further by the presence of odour, leakage of secretions from the adhesive collecting pouch and damage to the integrity of the peristomal skin (Perrotta & Guerrieri, 2022 ).…”