Impact of a temporary stoma on the quality of life of rectal cancer patients undergoing treatment Journal Article


Authors: Neuman, H. B.; Patil, S.; Fuzesi, S.; Wong, W. D.; Weiser, M. R.; Guillem, J. G.; Paty, P. B.; Nash, G. M.; Temple, L. K.
Article Title: Impact of a temporary stoma on the quality of life of rectal cancer patients undergoing treatment
Abstract: Background: Data from randomized controlled trials support use of a diverting stoma in rectal cancer patients with low anastomoses, but there is little data on how this impacts patient quality of life (QOL). This study prospectively evaluates QOL in stage I-III rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) with a temporary diverting stoma. Materials and Methods: Patents were identified from a prospective single-institution study of stage I-III rectal cancer patients undergoing SPS. Patients completed the EORTC C30/CR38 QOL scale preoperatively, at stoma closure, and at 6 months. The Stoma Quality of Life (SQOL) was administered at stoma closure. Subscales of the EORTC hypothesized to be affected by a diverting stoma were identified a priori. Longitudinal trends were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Frequencies for responses on specific SQOL items were tabulated, and correlations between SQOL subscales and EORTC Global QOL assessed with Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Global QOL was reportedly good (mean score 70.2) and did not change with a temporary stoma (P = .83). Physical (P = .33), role (P = .07), and social function (P = .48) were also stable. Decreased body image was observed (P = .03). Stoma-related difficulties identified by the SQOL included sexual activity (53%), leakage (39%), discomfort in clothing (34%), concerns regarding privacy to empty pouch (32%), and feeling unattractive (31%). "Overall satisfaction with life," Work/social function (P < .001), sexuality/body image (P = .01), and stoma function (P = .01) subscales of the SQOL correlated strongly with the EORTC Global QOL score (P < .001). Conclusion: In this longitudinal study of QOL in rectal cancer patients with a temporary stoma, Global QOL was good despite significant stoma-related difficulties. Use of alternative research methodology is necessary to provide insight into why this contradiction exists. © 2010 Society of Surgical Oncology.
Keywords: adult; cancer chemotherapy; controlled study; aged; patient satisfaction; cancer surgery; major clinical study; clinical trial; cancer adjuvant therapy; cancer patient; antineoplastic agent; preoperative evaluation; prospective study; quality of life; clinical assessment; cohort analysis; social status; disease severity; clothing; stoma; ileostomy; scoring system; rating scale; rectum cancer; body image; sexual behavior; rectum surgery; sphincter preserving surgery; anastomosis leakage; work; quality of life scale; stoma quality of life scale; stomach pouch
Journal Title: Annals of Surgical Oncology
Volume: 18
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1068-9265
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2011-05-01
Start Page: 1397
End Page: 1403
Language: English
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-010-1446-9
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 21128000
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 23 June 2011" - "CODEN: ASONF" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Sujata Patil
    511 Patil
  2. Philip B Paty
    499 Paty
  3. Jose Guillem
    414 Guillem
  4. Martin R Weiser
    538 Weiser
  5. Garrett Nash
    263 Nash
  6. Larissa Temple
    193 Temple
  7. Douglas W Wong
    178 Wong
  8. Sarah Fuzesi
    18 Fuzesi