Life with a conventional ileostomy

Fifty-two ileostomy patients were examined in a follow-up study and an attempt was made to evaluate the quality of life with regard to function of the ileostomy, ability to work, social adaptation, and sexual life. Forty-nine had existences considered within the normal range, whereas quality of life was considered unacceptable in three cases because of severe cutaneous or psychiatric problems. In the patients who had not adapted to ileostomy there would appear to be an indication for construction of a continent ileostomy reservoir using the technique of Kock.