Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been well known to be a common malignant tumor and generally causes increasing incidence among not only the elderly, but also the middle-age between 40 to 50. Many epidemiological studies showed colorectal cancer is ranking third among gastrointestinal malignancies and all malignant tumors. The optimum management in CRC is systematic in selection which is based on critical assessments of the patient’s general health, disease stage and consequent responses to intervention. Although surgical treatment is recognized as a most possibly curing option for early diagnosed CRC, the patients often experience physical and psychological endurance especially the need of the postoperative care. Accumulative evidence has shown that the clinical significance of surgical resection and anastomosis was achievable for parts of the colon or rectal to be removed and the remaining healthy parts be joined together. One of consequences through an abdominoperneal resection and other surgical procedures for colorectal cancer is the formation of a stoma. Data suggested a 26.5% of patients' colorectal cancer surgery caused this outcome. It is one of significant concerns among immediate postoperative issues, of which related complication accounts 20–60% of impediments. For example, stomas were identified as problematic within three weeks of surgery in British hospitals. In the early post-surgery (0–10 days), three common complaints affect most likely: retraction (the bowel pulling back into the abdomen) and separation (the stoma edging away from the surrounding skin) (1), and skin excoriation including peristomal dermatitis (2). The late complications may be experienced including parastomal hernia, prolapse, bowel obstruction, bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea, etc. In some cases, a parastomal hernia can occur when the abdominal wall weakens, resulting in a bulge near the stoma (3) or may lead to bowel obstruction or incarceration, necessitating surgical intervention (4). The intestine can protrude through the stoma, potentially leading to ischemia or necrosis (2). The constipation and stool impaction are common among patients with colostomies and leads to discomfort and potential blockages (3) and may manual decompaction (5). The observative studies on the ileostomy reported that high-volume output from an ileostomy can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, resulting in dehydration (6). Also, frequent liquid output can irritate the peristomal skin, leading to skin breakdown and excoriation (7).
Stoma Stenosis and ulceration can take place as to the narrowing of the stoma opening, making it challenging to manage waste output (5)(6). Finally, peristomal infections due to bacterial or fungal invasion in the peristomal area, may lead to discomfort and potential complications (2). While the complications mentioned above can vary based on the type of stoma (ileostomy or colostomy) and their specific locations (e.g., transverse colostomy, sigmoid colostomy), early identification and management of these complications are essential for the overall quality of life (QoL) and well-being of patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone stoma surgery. In clinical care practice, the postoperative care of stomas is evolving rapid, with a new pattern pursuing a transformation from being short-term to a generally chronic disease.
Since patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery often have concerns regarding their long-term outcomes and quality of life, understanding the postoperative experience is crucial in ensuring comprehensive care and support for these individuals. Indeed, having a stoma led to higher levels of psychologic distress (8) and poorer scores in most aspects of quality of life (9). Studies have shown that QoL can be significantly affected by the presence of a stoma. Research by Huang et al. (2) explored the QoL in patients with permanent stomas after rectal cancer surgery, revealing that stoma creation had a substantial impact on their daily lives and psychosocial well-being. Another study by Danielsen et al. (3) highlighted the psychosocial outcomes and QoL in patients with colostomies, emphasizing the importance of addressing the emotional and social aspects of life with a stoma. The long-term outcomes of patients with stomas after colorectal cancer surgery depend on various factors, including stoma type, perioperative care, and complications. Stoma-related complications can have a significant influence on long-term outcomes. Krouse et al. (6) discussed a framework for preventing and managing stoma complications, emphasizing the need for proactive care. Alves et al. (4) studied postoperative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, providing insights into the broader surgical outcomes.
In summary, long-term outcomes and quality of life in patients with stomas following colorectal cancer surgery are multifaceted. It is essential to consider not only the surgical aspects but also the psychosocial and emotional well-being of these individuals. The cited studies shed light on the various dimensions of this topic, providing valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for enhancing the lives of these patients.
Stoma care, following colorectal cancer surgery, extends far beyond the physical aspects of managing the stoma itself. It encompasses the broader well-being, quality of life, and psychological aspects of patients. A multidisciplinary team, consisting of special nurses, personal care aides, oncologists, and psychologists, plays a vital role in delivering comprehensive care.
Personal Care Aide provides invaluable assistance to patients, ensuring that stoma care tasks are performed accurately and hygienically. This support helps in reducing patient anxiety and enhancing their comfort (1). Patient education especially self-care, can benefit them adapt to the changes in their daily routines which is crucial for promoting independence and confidence (10). The special nurse, as expertise in stoma care, possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in stoma management. Ideally, they are well-versed in the technical aspects of stoma care, including appliance changes, skin protection, and complication prevention (2). Medical oncologist can provide a critical medical perspective in stoma care, especially in cases where patients may have other medical conditions e.g., diabetes or require ongoing cancer treatment (4). The role of psychologist in coping with a stoma can offer emotional support in perioperative time (5) and is associated with mental health assessment to assess and address any anxiety, depression, or adjustment issues, improving the patient's overall quality of life (3). Other critical components of the multidisciplinary team include observation and reporting which is often the first to notice changes in stoma health and can promptly report any issues to the healthcare team so as to facilitate an early intervention (6); coordination of care which focuses on the integration of stoma care into the broader cancer treatment plan, thus ensuring that stoma management complements the patient's overall healthcare strategy. Overall, the need of incorporating this multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive well-rounded care, addressing not only the physical aspects of stoma management but also their psychological and emotional well-being. By working together, these professionals enhance patient outcomes and contribute to a more positive and holistic stoma care experience. In Australia’s public hospital, a specialist- colorectal cancer liaison nurse visits patients each day and access to other members of the allied health care team as needed including the stomal therapy nurse, dietician, and social worker to establish an adapted diet to the patient with a stoma (11)
The PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycle is widely embraced in healthcare due to its straightforwardness and real-world applicability. It has received the endorsement of reputable organizations such as the institute for healthcare improvement. The beauty of the PDSA approach lies in its adaptability, making it a valuable tool for addressing a myriad of quality improvement issues in clinical settings. From streamlining administrative tasks by revamping the accessioning process to patient safety through the implementation of a paperless signout workflow, the PDSA cycle has proven its effectiveness in healthcare quality enhancement (12)(13).
The current study reports the qualitative findings in sing-center hospital institute from a middle size-population study that focused on quality stoma practice specific program (QSPSP) for patients with stoma related to their quality of life. Aim of the study was particularly to explore an initiative QSPSP through introducing ostomy care specialist and perioperative counselling support. Its quality was evaluated by PDSA module. The PDSA multiple cycles started with a small group of patients who believe in the proposed improvement of their stoma care. With more numbers were added into the process, the refined QSPSP quality ideas were implemented for all the possible ways of achieving the improvement with confidence.