Correlation Between Enterostomy and Mental Health: A Narrative Review

Background: Enterostomy, including colostomy and ileostomy, is a common surgical intervention performed in patients with colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Although often life-saving, enterostomy is associated with profound physical, psychological, and social changes that may significantly affect mental health and overall quality of life. Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the association between enterostomy and mental health outcomes, with particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, body image disturbance, psychosocial adaptation, stigma, quality of life, sexual functioning, and the effectiveness of supportive interventions. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using twenty peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2026, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, qualitative meta-syntheses, and cross-sectional investigations. The selected literature evaluated psychological outcomes among patients living with temporary or permanent enterostomies. Results: The reviewed evidence consistently demonstrates a substantial association between enterostomy and adverse psychological outcomes. Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among ostomy patients, with reported prevalence rates ranging from approximately 39% to 48%. Body image dissatisfaction, stigma, social isolation, sexual dysfunction, and reduced quality of life are frequently reported. Psychosocial adaptation is influenced by self-efficacy, social support, acceptance of disability, and stoma-related complications. Emerging evidence suggests that psychological preparation, prehabilitation programs, and innovative technologies reducing leakage-related anxiety may improve psychological outcomes and quality of life. Conclusions: Enterostomy is strongly associated with multiple dimensions of psychological distress. Comprehensive multidisciplinary care integrating psychological support, patient education, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up may improve adaptation and mental well-being. Future research should focus on longitudinal psychological outcomes and targeted mental health interventions for ostomy patients.