Depression, Anxiety, Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Patients with Ileostomy or Colostomy

Aim: Despite improved cure rates with oncological treatment, stomas (colostomy, ileostomy) are still a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life in patients with ileostomy and colostomy. Method: The study was planned as a case-control, retrospective study. Survivors of colorectal cancer who underwent surgery with ostomy (ileostomy or colostomy) at one center were included in the study. The control group consisted of healthy volunteers. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life after treatment were assessed using validated questionnaires: the Beck Depression inventory, Beck Anxiety inventory, and Short-Form 36, respectively. Sexual function was measured using the validated questionnaires Arizona Sexual Experiences scale and Golombok-Rust inventory of Sexual satisfaction. Results: A total of 50 patients (patient group) completed the questionnaires. The control group comprised 50 healthy volunteers. The mean anxiety score Beck Anxiety inventory was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p=0.04). The mean Arizona Sexual Experiences scale score was significantly higher in the patient group than in control group (23.0±4.2 vs. 14.1±6.5, respectively; p=0.01). According to Golombok- Rust inventory of Sexual satisfaction, infrequent sexual intercourse was significantly more common among the patient group than in the control group (p=0.01). The patient group had significantly lower self-reported mental health and physical well-being than the control group (p=0.01 and 0.03). Conclusion: It was found that patients who had ileostomy or colostomy had higher rates of anxiety symptoms, less sexual pleasure, more abstinence from sexual intercourse, and lower quality of life compared to healthy individuals.