Life quality and psychological morbidity with an ileostomy

Abstract

The recent introduction of restorative proctocolectomy for the treatment of ulcerative colitis has reopened the debate about the effects of ileostomy on quality of life. This study analysed life quality and psychological morbidity in 113 patients with an ileostomy using a postal questionnaire which included questions about their opinion of the pouch operation. Of the questionnaires, 73 per cent were suitable for analysis. A total of 93 per cent of those responding were happy with the ileostomy and appeared to have adapted to a normal life with it. Some 87 per cent stated that they would keep the ileostomy in preference to an ileoanal pouch. In addition, psychological morbidity as assessed by the General Health Questionnaire occurred in only 5 per cent of patients.

Health related quality of life in Crohn's proctocolitis does not differ from a general population when in remission

“…As in patients with aggressive disease, physical role and general health were the only dimensions of the SF‐36 affected by the presence of a permanent stoma. A low physical role score might indicate practical problems in daily living for patients having a stoma which is in accordance with findings by others regarding patients with ulcerative colitis [22–24]. The fact that general health was scored lower compared to controls for all patient subgroups, also for those in remission, confirms that the SF‐36 is sensitive for the presence of a chronic disease even if medically controlled.…”

Elicitation of Ostomy Pouch Preferences

“…This could be attributed to the fact that the majority of the respondents in the sample have had their stomas in place for many years. Most patients appear to adapt over time [3] and the majority of the respondents in the sample may have confidence and feel secure with their current system for this reason.…”

“…Previous studies about ostomates commonly address the issues of the surgery, complications, preoperative counseling, and quality of life (QOL) [2,3] as well as psychosocial changes following ostomy surgery. [4,5] These problems include emotional problems, and problems related to social activities, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, returning to work, and general physical health.…”

Lebensqualität nach Proktocolektomie wegen Colitis ulcerosa

“…87 % wünschten eher ein Ileostoma zu behalten, als sich einer Pouchoperation zu unterziehen. Gemessen mit dem ¹General Health Questionnaireª (GHQ, [32]) wurde bei den Ileostomaträgern eine sehr geringe psychische Morbidität (5 %) gemessen [2]. Hier wurde allein der Heilerfolg und nicht der Funktionserhalt beurteilt.…”