Nursing care of 12 patients with large area exposed bowel after abdomen opened

Abstract

Objective To investigate the nursing care of patients with large area exposed bowel after abdomen opened, and the observation of complications. Methods Clinic data, treatment, difficulties of nursing, and clinical manifestations of 12 patients with large area exposed bowel after abdomen opened in the ICU ward of Beijing Hospital during the period January 2013 to October 2015 were reviewed. Comprehensive nursing interventions including intraperitoneal irrigation with active drainage, double tube maintenance of abdomen, protection of exposed bowel, attachment of intestinal fistula, heat preservation and observation on complications were used. Meanwhile, according to whether the intestinal fistula combined, different open wound nursing patterns and enteral nutrition support patterns were decided. Results Abdomen cavity of 12 patients were finally closed by surgery and all patients were cured and discharged. Conclusions Condition of patients with large area exposed bowel after abdomen opened is complex. If severe abdominal infection and multiple intestinal fistula are combined, the nursing would be more difficult. For such patients, we should apply holistic nursing care combined with individualized nursing mode. Key words: Open abdomen; Exposed bowel; Intestinal fistula; Nursing