“Enteral ostomies are common in the management of patients with gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), 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 United States 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.”

“High-quality ostomy care begins at the preoperative visit with WOC consultation. Stoma education and counseling are essential to prevent complications and manage patient expectations for living with a stoma. The early diagnosis and management of both early and late ostomy complications require ongoing communication between patients and care teams. Multidisciplinary coordination is imperative to prevent hospital readmissions and to improve the quality of life for our patients living with ostomies.”

Hedrick TL, et al AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Ostomies: Commentary. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Sep;21(10):2473-2477. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.035. Epub 2023 Jul 25 Free Full Text