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

Study Design: Prospective controlled comparative analysis. Objective: To determine whether a colostomy changes quality of life in pati ents with a spinal cord injury. Method: A previously validated questionnaire designed to assess quality of life in spinal injured patients (Burwood Questionnaire) was sent to 26 spin al cord injured patients with colostomies and 26 spinal cord injured patien ts without colostomy. The two groups were matched for level of injury, comp leteness of injury, length of time since injury, age (+/- 5 years) and gend er. Results: There was 100% completion of the questionnaire. There was no signi ficant difference (P > 0.05) in the two groups of patients in regard to the ir general well being, emotional, social, or work functioning. Conclusions: Patients with colostomy following spinal injury are no worse o ff in regard to quality of life, than those without. The inference is that perhaps a colostomy should be considered earlier in patients with major bow el dysfunction following spinal cord injury.