Do people with an ileostomy have a different back pain experience to those with a colostomy? A postal survey in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Background. The abdominal muscles play a vital role in lumbar stability. The stoma surgery creates a permanent flaw in the abdominal wall and this may increase the risk of low back pain for people with a stoma.Purpose. To determine whether there was a difference in back pain experience between the two stoma groups: ileostomy and colostomy.Method. A postal questionnaire sent to people in Northern Ireland with an ileostomy or colostomy.Results. Over half (56.7%, n = 417) had back pain in the last 6 months and the primary perceived cause was the stoma surgery. There was a statistically significant deterioration in functional activities in those with back pain when ‘today’ was compared with ‘before surgery’. Those with a colostomy had generally poorer outcomes in respect of pain and disability, than those with an ileostomy.Conclusion. Low back pain in people with a stoma is a real and complex issue, especially as there are significant differences between those with an ileostomy when compared with people with a colostomy. Many factors are likely to contribute to a person developing low back pain, not least, the underlying reason for the surgery and the surgical procedure itself.