[Life situation of patients with ileoanal anastomosis]

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is an alternative to ileostomy for patients with ulcerative colitis. Results of a questionnaire survey answered by 155 patients organised in a support group are presented. Consequences of the operation were mainly faecal incontinence, experienced by half of the group in the daytime, and frequent defaecations (5-7 per day, 1-2 per night). One half of the patients used medication every day to decrease the number of defaecations. 64% had changed their diet, while social and physical activities were reduced for 43% of the patients. Changes in lifestyle after the operation lead to increased expenses for 70% of the group. Women were more often incontinent than men and experienced it as a serious problem, and more women than men had changed their dietary habits. The quality of sleep was inferior to that of the preoperative period for 47% of the patients. 50% felt restricted in daily life activities due to frequent defaecations. These patients are living with a concealed disability. In spite of this, their assessments of self-esteem, health and quality of life were mainly positive.