INTRODUCTION:

This study was conducted to determine individual feelings and opinions regarding the first intestinal excretion following stoma closure.

METHODS:

Twenty-six individuals in whom stoma was closed and followed at Stomatherapy Unit, Gazi University Medical School between of July 2006 and April 2007 have formed the environment of study. The data was obtained by means of interview method using the structured data collecting form by the stoma care nurse. Number and percentage calculations were conducted.

RESULTS:

More than half of the patients (65.4%) in whom stoma was closed were male and their mean age was 45.23± 15.86. Most of the patients have lived with stoma in a time of 0 to 6 months. The patients stated the difficulties such as the need of emptying ostomy bag while they are out of the home, involuntary gas and fecal incontinence, being restricted of social life and becoming dependent. The patients stated that they felt pleasure, happiness, excitement and satisfaction just before stoma was closed and after closure while they had feelings like difficulty, discomfort, and desperation during the time they lived with stoma.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

It’s suggested that training and consultancy services should be required to become widespread for the people with a stoma to overcome negative feelings.

Keywords: Stoma, living together stoma, stoma care