Two hundred seventy‐three patients with inflammatory bowel disease and permanent conventional ileostomies were surveyed to determine which factors affect the health and quality of life of the ileostomate. Physical and emotional health were considered good or excellent by 79% and 78%, respectively. Only a small number of patients (approximately 20%) felt they were more restricted with the ileostomy with regard to diet, clothing selection, leisure and work activities, and travel than they were preoperatively. Despite these restrictions, 74% stated they led normal, unrestricted lives; 23% experienced some restrictions and had some difficulties psychologically but were glad they had surgery. Only 3% regretted having surgery. Only one factor, function of the ileostomy, affected patients' physical and emotional well‐being, ability to perform work and daily activities, and their overall outlook on life. Other factors such as age, sex, duration of the disease preoperatively, duration since surgery, and disease etiology and activity seemed to make no difference. Thus, it appears that the surgeon plays an important role in determining the well‐being and quality of life of the conventional ileostomate.

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A survey of 322 ileostomates was undertaken to assess the impact of an ileostomy and determine problems that are encountered by patients. Most patients (72 percent) felt they led normal lives with the ileostomy and encountered fewer restrictions in life-style than with their disease. However, only 35 percent of patients felt their ileostomies functioned perfectly. Skin irritation (49 percent), offensive noise and odor (42 percent), detection of the appliance (17 percent), and difficulty in handling the appliance (29 percent) were some of the problems encountered. Psychologic problems were related to poor body image (22 percent) and sterility or impotence (12 percent). All of these problems, however, were less than had been anticipated. Various sources of information were available to the ileostomate. However, about 50 percent of patients felt they received inadequate preoperative information or counseling.

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