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OBJECTIVE We evaluated a new fistula and wound management system; ostomy and wound care nurses were queried about willingness to use the product in future patients, product wear time and pouch leakage, perifistular skin condition, access for wound care, pouching time, patient mobility and comfort, odor management, pouch flexibility, adhesiveness, and erosion. A health economic assessment was also done. METHOD Twenty-two patients (5 males and 17 females) with an abdominal fistula participated in the study. Participants tested 75 pouches, representing an average of 3.4 pouches per subject. The investigator at each site who performed the pouch changes completed a questionnaire at baseline, during the test, and after testing the pouches. Participants also completed a set of questions after each test pouch was removed. RESULTS In 21 of 22 cases, the nurses would consider using the new system on future patients. After each pouch removal, patients were asked whether they were able to move around while wearing the test pouch and they answered yes 95% of the time. The new system was found to have significantly longer wear time than traditional systems (P = .003), but the average time spent on changing the pouches was not significantly different (P = .07). Access for fistula and wound care was rated as excellent in the new pouching system, and comfort was rated as very good. CONCLUSION The results of the study suggest that all of the key requests received from nurses for an improved system for fistula and wound management were met by the new system.

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects motor and sensory nervous integrity resulting in paralysis of lower or both upper and lower extremities, as well as autonomic nervous system function resulting in neurogenic bowel. SCI leads to diminished or lost sensations of the need to defecate or inability to distinguish the presence of gas versus liquid versus solid stool in the rectal vault. Sensory loss, incomplete evacuation of stool from the rectal vault, immobility, and reduced anal sphincter tone increase the risk of fecal incontinence. Gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with depression, anxiety, and significant impairments in quality of life (QOL) in a significant portion of persons with SCI. Objectives 1. To compare clinical, functional, or quality of life outcomes in spinal cord injured patients with gastrointestinal symptoms managed by conservative measures versus intestinal diversion (colostomy or ileostomy). 2. To identify complications associated with ostomy surgery in patients with bowel dysfunction and SCI. Search strategy A systematic review of electronic databases MEDLINE and CINAHL (from January 1960 to November 2007) was undertaken using the following key words: (1) ostomy, (2) stoma, (3) colostomy, and (4) ileostomy. Boolean features of these databases were used to combine these terms with the key word "spinal cord injuries." Prospective and retrospective studies that directly compared clinical, functional, QOL outcomes or satisfaction among patients with intestinal diversions to patients managed by conservative means were included. Results Creation of an ostomy in selected patients provides equivocal or superior QOL outcomes when compared to conservative bowel management strategies. Both colostomy and ileostomy surgery significantly reduce the amount of time required for bowel management. Patients who undergo ostomy surgery tend to be satisfied with their surgery, and a significant portion report a desire to be counseled about this option earlier. There are no clear advantages when functional, clinical, or QOL outcomes associated with colostomy are compared to those seen in SCI patients undergoing ileostomy. Implications for practice 1. The WOC nurse plays a pivotal role in both conservative bowel management and the decision to undergo ostomy surgery. 2. Preoperative stoma site marking is vital for the best surgical outcome. 3. The system best suited to an individual is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to stoma location, type of effluent, peristomal plane and contours, and the individual's capabilities and preferences. 4. Some individuals with a sigmoid or descending colostomy may benefit from colostomy irrigation as a management method. 5. Postoperatively, assessment of pressure points for signs of tissue breakdown, evaluation of treatment methods for existing pressure ulcers with suitable modification, and support surface assessment should be included in ongoing annual follow-up visits.