Pofile of ostomized patients <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

Aims: To analyze the profile of ostomized patients treated by a Regional Health Care Coordination from Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Exploratory, retrospective research, including all ostomized patients assisted by the Regional Coordination of Macrorregião Missioneira do Rio Grande do Sul, which includes 20 cities, between January 01, 2000, and December 31, 2006. Data were obtained from records and analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results: Records from 88 consecutive patients in the study period were analyzed. The profile of the subjects studied were that most are elderly, married women, pensioners, 40,9% living in the place of the research, with permanent ostomy because of cancer of the colon and rectum. Conclusions: The results of the study may contribute to better care of patients by health professionals, stimulating a full assistance to patients submitted to an ostomy and their families, and working as a guide in preventive actions and early detection of diseases and disorders that need an ostomy. KEYWORDS: OSTOMY; COLOSTOMY; HEALTH PROFILE.