Wir überwinden Grenzen

(15.07.2025) Three nursing experts for ostomy, wound and continence therapy are on duty every day at Freiburg University Medical Center. The service has been in place for 20 years.

When modern abdominal surgery developed at the end of the 19th century, the "surgical nurse" became indispensable for the care of patients. This is still the case today, but it has evolved over the decades. For 20 years, the University Medical Center Freiburg has had specialized nursing experts for ostomy, continence and wound care to support nursing care. A stoma is an artificial outlet for stool and urine. Angelika Kohlrepp and Regina Burtsche have been part of the team almost from the start - joined by Verena Droß as a specialist in ostomy care in October 2024. Kohlrepp and Burtsche have completed the two-year training course to become care experts in ostomy, wound and continence therapy and must be recertified every three years.

Expertise for the entire hospital

"Each of us walks between six and eleven kilometers around the hospital grounds every day," says Regina Burtsche. Always with her: a backpack packed full of special materials for the care of her patients. "Sometimes we wish we had a bike to get from A to B faster." The trio is not only on duty for the Department of General and Visceral Surgery at the Freiburg University Medical Center, but can also be requested via the central registration system for consultations throughout the hospital. Around 2,500 patient contacts - including numerous multiple contacts - every year show how much their expertise is in demand. The experts treat both adults and children.

Co-determination with the stoma

Interdisciplinary cooperation is a central component of this. "At the University Medical Center Freiburg, we offer complex care for our patients. That's why medicine and nursing work hand in hand here," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Hannes Neeff, Managing Senior Physician at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery. It is important to involve patients in decisions before the operation - especially when placing the stoma. "Everything is discussed with the patient as a team before the operation," adds Burtsche. The right fit is important because some stomas remain in place for a lifetime.

Challenges in everyday life

A stoma often means a big change for those affected. The nursing experts know from experience how stressful and shameful the new situation can be - be it due to leaking bags or skin irritation. "The thought of suddenly living with a bag on their stomach is difficult for many to accept," explains Burtsche. However, with practical tips and good care, many patients regain confidence in their bodies. Patients can also seek advice in the outpatient consultation hours after their inpatient stay.

Passing on knowledge with help and advice

The experts also support nursing staff on the wards, accompany trainees and ensure that knowledge remains in-house through in-house training. The nursing experts also support teaching at the Academy for Medical Professions at Freiburg University Medical Center and practice with participants using models. They also give lectures and attend conferences.

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