Risk factors associated with peristomal skin complications: Integrative literature review

Abstract

Surgical intervention of colorectal cancer often includes formation of ostomy. Irrespective of the type of stoma, many ostomy patients suffer from peristomal skin complications. Identifying risk factors related to peristomal skin complications is one of the crucial factors in maintaining peristomal skin health. The purpose of this integrative review is to identify the risk factors associated with the development of peristomal skin complications. Whittmore and Knafl’s (2005) framework for integrative literature review guided this study. The results of this systematic literature review showed risk factors for developing peristomal skin complications are multidimensional. Leakage of stoma output, type and structure of stoma, stoma site marking and nature of surgery, ostomy education, ostomy appliances, mechanical trauma, and demographic factors are the most commonly identified risk factors in the development of peristomal skin complications. The development of peristomal skin complications is closely associated with skin contact with ostomy effluent. In all settings ostomy patients requires specialized care and management to prevent development of peristomal skin complications and promote quality of life. The findings of this focused study suggest that prevention and early identification of risk factors related to peristomal skin complications are very important.