Postoperative course and rehabilitation achievements of colostomates

Forty colostomates (mean age, 61.5 years) were examined and interviewed 3 to 174 months (mean, 47.5 months) after creation of their colostomies, to try to determine their rehabilitation achievements after leaving the hospital. All patients had permanent colostomies, most of them after Miles' operation for carcinoma of the rectum. Most patients leave the hospital distressed and unprepared for independent life. They lack confidence and urgently need the help of the community health services, which repeatedly disappoint them. Patients are not aware of the anticipated problems and available agencies that offer support. They have irregular bowel habits, discharge of gas and unpleasant odor, as well as diminished sexual and social life. Irregularity of bowel habits seems to be the most difficult unresolved problem and is the main cause for social handicap, a handicap which is exacerbated by various commonly occurring surgical complications.