Search

Intestinal failure is a complicated long-term condition that can have profound physical and psychosocial consequences for a patient's life. Hospitalisation can be long, with many distressing and unpleasant medical procedures being endured. Patients often have to deal with large volumes of unmanageable faecal fluid from stomas or fistulae and usually require home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for the remainder of their life. The literature focuses on how patients often have to tolerate long periods of suffering, which can be the basis for significant emotional anguish. It also addresses how the condition can contribute to myriad psychosocial difficulties, which can have devastating effects on their body image and quality of life. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effects of this condition on the family, who not only have to provide ongoing support for the patient, but also have to attempt to function normally while coping with their own fears and emotions. This article reviews the experiences of two patients, father and daughter, living with intestinal failure; it discusses their experiences and reveals how they cope with the physical aspects. It also addresses how the condition can effect psychosocial disturbances, not only for them but for those living closely with them. The article addresses ways that nurses could develop their relationship with the patient, enabling them to recognise and act early on signs of emotional malady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterocutaneous fistulae (ECF) and high-output stomas are challenging to manage, owing to the large volume of loss that may result in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition and sepsis. It is imperative that this group of patients receive adequate nutrition, as malnutrition and sepsis are the leading cause of death. Treatment is complex and based on various situations, treatment can be medical/conservative management or surgical. Depending on the site of the fistula and the length of residual intestine contributing as the cause of a high output stoma with the nutritional status of the patient, clinicians have to decide whether parenteral nutrition (PN) or enteral nutrition (EN) should be established. As previously discussed in module 1 and 2 (Gabe, 2013; Gabe and Slater, 2013) the theme of nutritional management and appliance/accessory selection to manage patients with ECF and high output stomas was outlined. The aim of providing an understanding of the nutritional needs and the practicalities of maintaining appliance adherence, and in turn, a reduction in the breakdown of the peri-stomal skin was described. Module 3 aims to provide understanding for the reader that may encounter patients undergoing surgery for the management of their ECF or high-output stoma. Lastly it was felt necessary to discuss the subject of intestinal transplantation. This complex surgical option is not available to all patients with intestinal failure and only undertaken at a couple of recognised centres. The process of referring patients that are deemed suitable for intestinal transplantation will be addressed and what the surgery entails with long-term outcomes and the quality of life for the patient. INSET: Box 1. Instructions for setting up and administering.... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the challenges that are associated with the management of patients with high output stomas and complex enterocutaneous fistula. The physiological aspects and complications of stomas are discussed. Two case studies of patients with high-output stomas and complex enterocutaneous fistula are examined.