Life quality and psychological morbidity with an ileostomy

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.