Published Feb 10, 2010
Willow Moonsidhe
238 Posts
When does a prolapse colostomy require intervention? I had a fresh post op pt in home health today with about a 5 inch prolapse and nickel size dark area.
Thanks!
~Willow
mamamerlee, LPN
949 Posts
We really can't give medical advice on this board. My only question is - what did the stoma look like when the pt came home?
PedsDrNurseTheo, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, EMT-P, NP
150 Posts
Like mamamerlee said - we can't give medical advice.
That said, as the patient's nurse, if you think it looks concerning, it probably needs to be evaluated.
The stoma had about 5 inches of swollen intestines hanging out and a nickel size area that looked necrotic on the edge. I notified the MD and he did not want anything done. I did some research on the web and they are sort of unclear information. It says if extreme surgery is required. I am not a doctor and would never assume to diagnosis so I went with my gut and told the patient that if it was me i would go for a second option. I am praying I did not over step my bounds.