Health-related quality of life and pouch function in continent ileostomy patients: a 30-year perspective.
OBJECTIVE
The principal aim of this study was to assess long-term pouch durability and health-related quality of life in an original series of patients operated on with a continent ileostomy.


METHODS
Data from 68 of 88 patients who had a continent ileostomy performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital between 1967 and 1974 were analyzed. Median age at follow-up was 60 (range, 40-89) years and median follow-up was 31 (range, 29-36) years.


METHODS
Patients were sent a questionnaire on pouch function along with the Short Form-36 Health Survey 2.0. A random age-matched and gender-matched sample was drawn from the Swedish national Short Form-36 Health Survey norm database to compare with the patient group.


RESULTS
The majority of the patients reported good physical condition and satisfactory pouch function. Patients evacuated the pouch a median of four times every 24 hours. Twelve patients (18 percent) had leakages. Forty-four patients (65 percent) had had at least one postoperative revision to restore continence. Generally minor peristomal skin irritation occurred in seven patients (10 percent). Patients with concurrent complaints (mostly age related) reported poorer health-related quality of life. Nevertheless, 78 percent of the patients rated their overall health as good, very good, or excellent. The patients' Short Form-36 Health Survey scores were comparable to reference values.


CONCLUSIONS
Although revisional operations may be needed to restore continence, continent ileostomy has a good durability. Pouch function was satisfactory and patients' satisfaction was high. Health-related quality of life levels were similar to those of the general population.
Berndtsson
Ina E K
IE
Colorectal Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. ina.berndtsson@surgery.gu.se
Lindholm
Elisabet
E
Oresland
Tom
T
Hultén
Leif
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000209:etiology; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006304:Health Status; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007081:Ileostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome