Risk factors for decreased quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy

Abstract

The purpose of the study: to identify risk factors for decreased quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy. The results of a survey of 114 patients with permanent stoma after radical surgical treatment of stage I–III rectal cancer were analyzed. The quality of life was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.Severe impact on the global health status (less than 50 points) was observed in 21 (18.4 %) respondents. The significant risk factors of impaired quality of life include the absence of preoperative stoma site marking (OR = 6.5, 95 %CI = 2.0–20.4; p = 0.002) and the lack of specialized stoma care service in the region of residence (OR = 4.6, 95 %CI = 1.6–13.1; p = 0.005). The emergency nature of the primary operation also had a significant negative impact on subsequent quality of life (OR = 6.1, 95 %CI = 1.8–20.1; p = 0.004). The employment had a positive effect on the quality of life of patients (OR = 0.2, 95 %CI = 0.07–0.9; p = 0.024). Conclusion. The quality of life of patients with a permanent colostomy after radical surgery for rectal cancer depends on several factors. The absence of preoperative stoma site marking, inaccessibility of the rehabilitation service for colostomy patients in the region, and surgery emergency negatively affect the quality of life of this category of patients.