Nursing of artificial anus after radical resection of rectal cancer

Surgical resection is the main treatment for rectal cancer. All patients without contraindications to surgery should be treated with surgical treatment. Abdominoperineal radical resection of rectal cancer (Miles surgery) is suitable for rectal cancer that is located lower and below the peritoneal fold. After the operation, a permanent sigmoid colon single-lumen stoma, i.e., an artificial anus, is often left behind.

Generally, the artificial anus should be opened 2 to 3 days after surgery. After opening, the patient should remain in the affected side lying position, use vaseline gauze to form a circle around the fistula, apply zinc oxide ointment to the surrounding skin to protect it, and separate the abdominal wall wound from the stoma to prevent the thin feces flowing out of the stoma from contaminating the abdominal wall wound and causing infection. The patient should get out of bed and move around one week after surgery, and teach the patient how to use the artificial anus bag, train the patient to defecate at the right time, regularly perform enema through the stoma to establish the habit of timely defecation, change the fecal bag frequently, and keep the abdomen clean. Pay attention to observe whether the stoma has edema, ischemia, necrosis, etc. One week after surgery, instruct the patient to dilate the fistula with his fingers twice a week to prevent colostomy stenosis. Avoid wearing tight clothes to avoid compression or friction on the fistula, causing unnecessary trouble and injury.