Att leva med tarmstomi

: en litteraturstudie

Abstract

Background: An ostomy is an artificial opening to drain faeces through the abdominal wall. Accepting the ostomy and the new life situation is a complicated process for the patient. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patient's experiences of living with an ostomy. Method: The study was designed as a literature review based on eleven scientific articles, of which eight had a qualitative approach and three, a quantitative. Results: The findings of the review indicate that ostomypatients experienced physical, emotional and social changes which affected patient's daily life. Negative feelings and experiences dominated, which made adjustment to the ostomy difficult. The patients experienced gratefulness to their ostomies because they avoided previous suffering, despite difficulties in their daily lives. Discussion: The patients need more information both before and after a stoma surgery to prepare for the life with an ostomy. The information should be adapted for patient's needs. They can overcome their psychological problems if they participate in support groups. The patients can then adapt to their ostomies and increase their wellbeing. Conclusion: If ostomypatients get more support from nursing staff in their daily lives, many of them would have positive experiences of their ostomies.