Does a colostomy alter quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury? A controlled study.

Abstract

Prospective controlled comparative analysis. To determine whether a colostomy changes quality of life in patients with a spinal cord injury. A previously validated questionnaire designed to assess quality of life in spinal injured patients (Burwood Questionnaire) was sent to 26 spinal cord injured patients with colostomies and 26 spinal cord injured patients without colostomy. The two groups were matched for level of injury, completeness of injury, length of time since injury, age (+/- 5 years) and gender. There was 100% completion of the questionnaire. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the two groups of patients in regard to their general well being, emotional, social, or work functioning. Patients with colostomy following spinal injury are no worse off in regard to quality of life, than those without. The inference is that perhaps a colostomy should be considered earlier in patients with major bowel dysfunction following spinal cord injury. Financial support for Dr AC Lynch was provided by Royal Australian College of Surgeons with a Foundation Scholarship and Grant in aid by the Burwood International Spinal Trust. Mr N Randell was supported by the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation with a summer studentship.