Do people with an ileostomy have a different back pain experience to those with a colostomy? A postal survey in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Background. The abdominal muscles play a vital role in lumbar stability. The stoma surgery creates a permanent flaw in the abdominal wall and this may increase the risk of low back pain for people with a stoma.

Purpose. To determine whether there was a difference in back pain experience between the two stoma groups: ileostomy and colostomy.

Method. A postal questionnaire sent to people in Northern Ireland with an ileostomy or colostomy.

Results. Over half (56.7%, n = 417) had back pain in the last 6 months and the primary perceived cause was the stoma surgery. There was a statistically significant deterioration in functional activities in those with back pain when ‘today’ was compared with ‘before surgery’. Those with a colostomy had generally poorer outcomes in respect of pain and disability, than those with an ileostomy.

Conclusion. Low back pain in people with a stoma is a real and complex issue, especially as there are significant differences between those with an ileostomy when compared with people with a colostomy. Many factors are likely to contribute to a person developing low back pain, not least, the underlying reason for the surgery and the surgical procedure itself.

Keywords:

• Low back pain
• ileostomy
• colostomy
• stoma

Acknowledgements

Funding for this study was obtained from the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association of Northern Ireland (IA) and the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Research Institute at the University of Ulster. The authors acknowledge Mike Stevenson and Evie Gardner for their statistical support, the secretary of IA, Jimmy McIlwaine, and the stoma nurses in the contributing trusts who trawled their databases and distributed the questionnaire.