A Longitudinal Study of Changes in the Subjective Quality of Life of Patients After Surgical Construction of Colostomy

Abstract

Abstract

With the aim of predicting changes in perception related to subjective attitude toward life after construction of colostomy and to assist patients after such operation, we compared patients who underwent artificial construction of colostomy, and patients who were operated for rectal cancer but did not undergo construction of stoma. Thus, we identified longitudinal changes.

One of the changes in the perception characteristic to patients after construction of colostomy was that subjective attitude toward life declined before discharge from the hospital, and then gradually improved after discharge. We believe it necessary to preoperatively educate the patients about predicted postoperative changes in perception, as well as countermeasures for coping with such changes, in order to minimize decline in the subjective attitude toward life after construction of colostomy.

Changes in perception commonly observed among patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer were those in positive attitude toward life, personal assessment of health, problem with evacuation, and satisfaction with diet. Positive attitude toward life and problem with evacuation increased after discharge from the hospital. Personal assessment of health declined before discharge, and did not improve after discharge from the hospital. Satisfaction with diet declined during hospitalization, and improved after discharge from the hospital. Patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer were attempting to have positive attitude toward life, but a certain period of time appeared to be necessary in order for them to feel that they were leading healthy life. With respect to problems with evacuation, continual assistance seemed nacessary even after discharge from the hospital. As to diet, improvement should be made so that patients would be able to have satisfaction with diet during hospitalization.