A review of the outcome of stoma surgery on spinal cord injured patients

A study was conducted to determine the short-term and long-term outcome of stoma formation on spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. Twenty-seven medical records of SCI patients with colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy were reviewed. Eighteen SCI patients were then interviewed or completed a comprehensive questionnaire to determine the physical and psychological effects of the surgery and to assess changes in lifestyle due to the formation of the stoma. It was found that bowel and bladder management was greatly improved in most cases, resulting in improved quality of life for these patients. Other positive psychological effects were noted and the question of a colostomy being offered earlier in the rehabilitation of the SCI patient was raised.