Factors affecting quality of life with a conventional ileostomy

Two hundred seventy‐three patients with inflammatory bowel disease and permanent conventional ileostomies were surveyed to determine which factors affect the health and quality of life of the ileostomate. Physical and emotional health were considered good or excellent by 79% and 78%, respectively. Only a small number of patients (approximately 20%) felt they were more restricted with the ileostomy with regard to diet, clothing selection, leisure and work activities, and travel than they were preoperatively. Despite these restrictions, 74% stated they led normal, unrestricted lives; 23% experienced some restrictions and had some difficulties psychologically but were glad they had surgery. Only 3% regretted having surgery. Only one factor, function of the ileostomy, affected patients' physical and emotional well‐being, ability to perform work and daily activities, and their overall outlook on life. Other factors such as age, sex, duration of the disease preoperatively, duration since surgery, and disease etiology and activity seemed to make no difference. Thus, it appears that the surgeon plays an important role in determining the well‐being and quality of life of the conventional ileostomate .