Abstract
We reported a case of a 57-year-old man with defecation difficulties following spinal cord injury,in which a colostomy had contributed to a better quality of life（QOL）for the patient. Our review at 1 year after the colostomy demonstrated improvements on defecation,food intake,daily activities and decubitus ulcer.
We again reviewed the clinical conditions of the patient for the period 1 to 2 years after the colostomy,and found the following: defecation resumed during the day,and the time to defecate was reduced; the patient could use every device in his self-care,and a cystostomy assisted urination. Consequently,the patient was relieved of his mental distress,and his decubitus ulcer healed. Furthermore,the range of the patient's activities of daily life（ADL）increased. From these results,we could gauge the patient's condition and could recommend suitable stoma care. We conclude that in order to improve the QOL of some patients,a comprehensive understanding of individuals' needs and state of mental health is essential.
