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San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Provides Ostomy Support 
Cindy Barefield, RN, WOCN, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, educates Albert Harrington, an ostomy patient.
Currently more than 500,000 Americans have had some type of ostomy surgery. An ostomy is an operation to create an artificial passage for bodily elimination. In this surgery, a portion of the small intestine is brought to the skin surface and turned back on itself like a cuff. To provide support to ostomy patients, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital has a wound, ostomy and continence nurse (WOCN) on staff and hosts a monthly support group – Baytown Chapter of the Ostomy Association of the Houston Area. The following are a few illnesses/injuries that could lead to the need for an ostomy: cancer of the colon, bladder or rectum; trauma; ruptured diverticulum; irritable bowel disease; and ulcerative colitis.For patients who need an ostomy as part of their treatment plan, the surgeon may refer them to the WOCN for education and stoma site selection. During the preoperative visit, the patient and family members are introduced to the concept of an ostomy, and the patient is carefully evaluated for an appropriate stoma site (the surgical permanent opening made in the abdominal wall). Research shows that most patients who receive preoperative instruction make an easier transition after surgery than those who receive no instruction. After surgery, the patient and his or her family work toward independence with their ostomy care with the support of the WOCN and experienced nursing staff.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2008, colon and rectal cancer was the third highest cause of death for men and women
in the United States.
The Baytown Chapter of the Ostomy Association of the Houston Area meets the first Monday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. in the hospital's Community Room in the Garth lobby. The group is open to all individuals with an ostomy, their families and caregivers. "The goal at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital is for ostomy patients to receive support, before and after surgery," says Cindy Barefield, RN, WOCN, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. "At times, having an ostomy can be tough for the patient and family. I have seen how ostomy support services – like the ones offered at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital – can have a favorable impact on the quality of life for these patients." 
To learn more about the ostomy
services at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, call 281-420-8671.
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