[Life after urostomy. A retrospective study]

The study reported, which was based on a questionnaire and psychological tests, examined cystostomy patients with respect to the work-up and acceptance of their altered body. It was noted that 30% of the patients judged their situation as good, and 25% could accept the cystostomy, but a great many has to live with sexual disturbances, reduced social mobility, increased dependence, and psychic consequences; some had to give up their jobs. Sex, earlier psychosomatic diseases, developmental disorders in early childhood, which influence the personality, significantly affect the acceptance of the stoma. The problems are discussed. Suggestions are made, which include a plan for a holistic therapy.