Bowel function and quality of life after colostomy in individuals with spinal cord injury

This study investigates how a colostomy affects bowel function and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Individuals with SCI often face challenges in bowel management, including constipation and incontinence, which can significantly impact their daily lives and social activities. The researchers collected data from 18 individuals with SCI who had undergone colostomy surgery. They gathered information on bowel management practices before and after the surgery, assessed quality of life using a standard questionnaire (SF-36), and measured gastrointestinal transit time (GITT). The study found that a colostomy generally reduces the time needed for bowel management and that most participants were satisfied with the procedure. While some participants experienced issues related to their colostomy, the overall impact on quality of life, particularly regarding mental health, was not significantly lower than that of the general population.

• 1
  Seventy-two percent of participants significantly reduced their time spent on bowel emptying after colostomy.
• 2
  The majority of participants (89%) did not perceive bowel management with a colostomy as a problem.
• 3
  Seventy-five percent of participants had a gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) within the normal range for able-bodied individuals after the colostomy.