Flatus, odour and the ostomist: coping strategies and interventions

Both new and established ostomists fear the loss of control over their bodily function that stoma surgery brings about. They often express feelings of embarrassment and isolation as they try and adjust to their new lifestyle. Quality-of-life studies often highlight flatus and odour to be two of the top five fears or worries among ostomists. This article reviews the current literature offering an insight into how flatus and odour impacts on an ostomist's life and considers interventions to assist the nurse in aiding the ostomist through this period of adaptation.