Every year, on the first weekend of October, World Ostomy Day is observed. The event is held on the initiative of the International Ostomy Association under the auspices of the UN. Its aim is to draw public attention to the problems of patients with a stoma and their rehabilitation. The first congress took place in London in October 1976.
A stoma is an artificial opening of a hollow organ, created surgically on the skin of the abdominal wall to let intestinal contents or urine out of the body. In 90% of cases, a stoma is created because of cancer, and less often because of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or other bowel conditions.
There are about 70,000 people with a stoma in Ukraine. Only 30% of them have a temporary stoma, while for 70% of patients the stoma is permanent.
Life with a stoma brings new challenges for the patient. Changes in one’s usual way of life, as well as physical and psychological changes, significantly affect a person’s quality of life. Patients find it hard to accept that they may look different and that they need to change their habits and adapt to a new way of life. Because of this, many patients face low self-esteem, a sense of physical and psychological inadequacy, and isolation from society.
“We give patients all the necessary information while they are still preparing for surgery. It is important that patients understand what changes await them and how to care for the stoma properly. After surgery, we continue to support patients by teaching them and their loved ones how to care for the stoma, and we help them adapt to their new circumstances,” emphasizes Dmytro Panchenko, head of department at the Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center and surgical oncologist, highest qualification category.
The Oncology Center provides comprehensive care for patients with a stoma. Medical staff explain how to care for the stoma and how to use ostomy bags and care products, and advise patients on how to obtain these products free of charge.
Ukraine also has a system for providing ostomy care products free of charge. Patients who have disability status and an appropriate rehabilitation program can receive ostomy bags and other care products free of charge. However, most ostomy patients of retirement age do not apply for a disability group and therefore lose the right to receive care products free of charge.
Marking World Ostomy Day every year helps raise public awareness of the challenges these people face and draws attention to the importance of their social and medical rehabilitation.
“Every patient, regardless of age and the reason for the stoma, deserves high-quality medical care and social support. At the Oncology Center, we do everything we can to help people live full lives,” concludes Dmytro Panchenko.
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