From the Guidelines
Maturing an ostomy is a critical step in the surgical procedure of creating a stoma, where the end of the intestine is secured to the skin surface to prevent complications and ensure proper functioning. The process of maturing an ostomy involves suturing the intestinal edge to the surrounding skin, creating a stable and properly functioning opening, as part of the overall management of ostomies, which begins at the preoperative visit with WOC consultation, as highlighted in a recent study 1. Key aspects of maturing an ostomy include:
- Securing the intestinal edge to the skin surface to prevent retraction of the intestine back into the abdomen
- Creating a stable and properly functioning opening to minimize the risk of complications like stenosis or prolapse
- Everting the intestinal edge to create a slight protrusion, which helps with appliance fitting and proper drainage of waste
- Ensuring the stoma has an appropriate size and shape for long-term function and easier management of the ostomy appliance. Proper maturation is essential for long-term ostomy function, and as noted in the study 1, high-quality ostomy care begins at the preoperative visit and requires ongoing communication between patients and care teams to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for patients living with ostomies. The healing process after maturation takes approximately 6-8 weeks, during which the connection between the intestine and skin strengthens, and patients should monitor for complications such as excessive bleeding, unusual pain, significant color changes, or retraction of the stoma. Overall, maturing an ostomy is a crucial step in the surgical procedure, and proper care and management are essential to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for patients living with ostomies, as emphasized in the recent study 1.
From the Research
Definition of Maturing the Ostomy
- Maturing the ostomy refers to the process of allowing the ostomy to heal and settle after creation, enabling it to function properly and reducing the risk of complications 2, 3, 4.
Key Aspects of Ostomy Maturation
- Proper management of the ostomy, including pre- and postoperative patient education, is crucial for successful maturation and to prevent complications such as ischemia/necrosis, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and mucocutaneous separation 2.
- Healthcare professionals should have updated knowledge on the management of stomas and their complications to provide adequate care and support during the maturation process 2, 3, 4.
Complications Associated with Ostomy Maturation
- Common complications that can occur during the maturation process include peristomal skin complications, retraction, stomal necrosis, stomal stenosis, prolapse, and parastomal hernia 3, 4.
- Strategies for managing these complications, such as proper stoma site marking, postoperative education, and patient educational resources, are essential for successful ostomy maturation 2, 3, 4.