Ileostomy in ulcerative colitis. A questionnaire study of 1,803 patients.

A questionnaire regarding details of their illness, social, educational and religious background and various aspects of rehabilitation since surgery was completed by 1,803 persons who underwent ileostomy for ulcerative colitis between 1930 and 1970. The majority of participants were operated on since 1960, reported an above-average education, lived in metropolitan areas, had surgery performed as a single stage proctocolectomy, and were chronically ill for an average of almost 7 years from the onset of disease to ileostomy. An unexplained high incidence of Jewish patients was noted; in addition, Jewish patients comprised almost half of those who had a family history of inflammatory bowel disease. Although some participants reported major postoperative problems including unfavorable alterations in stomal structure and function, bowel obstruction, delayed perineal healing and nephrolithiasis, most patients were satisfied with life with an ileostomy, presently maintaining their health, employment, marriage and sexuality.