Psychological distress and quality of life in ostomy patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review of the literature

Introduction: This research examine the literature related to the psychological state and the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer. In particular, this study investigates the alterations in patients who have undergone ostomy procedures (colostomy and/or ileostomy). Materials and methods: A systematic research was been carried out through the electronic databases PubMed and Psychinfo. After having identified 1289 scientific articles, a convenient sample of 12 studies were included in the research. Overall, all studies taken into analyses have shown how enterostomy affects the quality of life of stoma patients both after the formation of the stoma and the follow-up. Results: 12 studies examined have demonstrated that several factors influence the quality of life and psychological state. One of the major results was relate to changes in body appearance considered as a strong predictor of various psychological problems including anxiety, depression and distress. Conclusion: These results give healthcare professionals the opportunity to have a wider and clearer view on all aspects related to the quality of life of all patients affected by enterostomy and colorectal cancer.