Investigation of changes in the Quality of Life of patients with permanent colostomy

 Introduction: Permanent colostomy is, under certain conditions and characteristics, one of the means of treatment of colorectal cancer. The multidimensional effects of this therapeutic method affect cancer patients and their families.

Purpose: To assess the quality of life of patients with colostomy and identify the factors affecting it.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted at Google Scholar, Scopus, Cross Ref, Science Direct and Pubmed. The articles had to concern an adult population, being published between 2012 and 2022 and used Greek and English language.

Results: The effects of colostomy to the patients are related to their personal, social and sex life, their adaptation to the new reality, the psychology, the management of possible complications, the stoma care and the coverage of basic daily needs. In addition, implications are also found on the professional and economic life of patients.

Conclusions: Permanent colostomy disturbs the balance of the patient’s and family’s daily live, facing them with a number of issues that affect the quality of life.