QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER RESTORATIVE PROCTOCOLECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the issue of long-term quality of life after restorative proctocolectomy in patients| with ulcerative colitis. A questionnaire was sent to the patients who had restorative proctocolectomy between 1990 and 2001 for ulcerative colitis. The questions covered stool frequency, incontinence, usage of hygenic pads, stool characteristics, symptoms, eating, social, working and sexual life, sport and travelling activities. Twenty nine of the 44 patients (66%) replied. Mean follow-up was 42 months (ranging from 4 to 104 months). Stool frequency and abdominal symptoms decreased after the operation (p<0.001). Perfect and good day-time continence were 75.9% and 17.2%, respectively. Seventy-two percent of the patients did not require any medication. Eating, daily working activities, social and sexual life of the patients improved after the operation. Difficulty in travelling a very common complaint (96%) was relieved in most patients (21.5%, p<0.001). Sporting activities improved significantly in the postoperative period (25.9% vs 65.5%, p=0.01). Restorative proctocolectomy in patients with surgical indication for ulcerative colitis restored the quality of life by decreasing stool frequency and symptoms alongside increased eating, working, sexual, social, travelling and sporting activities.