Nursing intervention in the sexuality of ostomized patients

Abstract

Ostomy is the term used to designate the surgical intervention whose purpose is to create an artificial communication between two organs or between a viscera and the abdominal wall in order to discharge waste products. This process has a serious impact on the patient, especially in the sexual sphere, which is an important component of quality of life. The aim of the research was to propose nursing actions in the sexuality of ostomised patients based on a documentary review. The methodology used was qualitative and descriptive, the search was carried out using databases such as: PubMed, Scielo, BVS and Scopus, where information was collected in the period 2017-2023 in Spanish and English. The results of the initial search were 108 sources, of which 92 were discarded for not meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving a total of 16 sources with which the research was carried out. Once the review was completed, it was concluded that nursing care in the sexuality of ostomised patients is fundamental to promote coping with the new condition of life, provide guidance on the management of safe and pleasurable sexual relations through psychoeducation, as well as care of the collection bag before, during and after the sexual act, an approach that should be carried out with the couple in order to achieve better results.