Changes in diet following the formation of a colostomy

The main aim of this small study was to discover if the formation of a colostomy could adversely affect the long-term dietary intake of patients. While it would seem that there were few adverse effects on nutrient intake after surgery, it became apparent that patients had a need for clear dietary advice. It seemed that this area of their care was lacking. Because of the small number of patients recruited for the study statistical validation was not possible. Therefore, this study is only able to point the way forward for further research into the dietary needs of colostomy patients and the health professional role in this area of care.