Stoma formation after lymphoproliferative disorders and immunosuppression therapy.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are lymphomas that may arise in organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the transplant. The likelihood of developing PTLD depends on the type of transplant. PTLD is a potentially severe complication of post-transplant treatment, with an uncertain prognosis.

Surgical treatment of low rectal cancers with APER and IGAP flap.

This article describes current treatments for individuals with a low rectal cancer. It examines the rationale for surgical treatment involving abdominoperineal excision of the anus and rectum (APER) and outlines how surgery for rectal cancer has evolved over recent years. Surgical advances mean the use of regional flaps is advocated to overcome the common problem of impaired perineal wound healing and the principles of this surgery are summarised.

Parastomal hernias as the predominant stoma complication after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Many colorectal procedures can be performed laparoscopically and frequently involve the formation of a stoma. This study aims to demonstrate whether there is an association between stoma complications and the operative technique: laparoscopic or open. A review was conducted of all patients undergoing stoma formation at a single center throughout 2009.

Providing dietary advice for the individual with a stoma.

Concerns over diet and nutrition are common among ostomists and their carers. It is important for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy to appreciate that stoma surgery changes the body's usual processes of nutritional absorption and excretion, so that informed support and advice on diet can be provided. A considerable proportion of patients admitted to hospital in the United Kingdom are malnourished, or at risk of becoming so.

Improving the nutritional status of colorectal surgical and stoma patients.

This article describes an initiative to improve the quality of nutritional support and information provision to patients undergoing colorectal surgery and stoma formation. It was identified that several aspects of the established hospital routine and catering system overlooked the specific nutritional needs of this group of patients during the postoperative period. This led to the formation of a multidisciplinary strategy group responsible for focusing on the nutritional needs of both those with new stomas and those undergoing colorectal surgery without stoma formation.