Quality of life from oncological patients with definitive and temporary colostomy

introduction: colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms in the western world. colostomy, temporary or permanent, can be a serious limiting factor affecting the quality of life of oncological patients. objective: to compare the quality of life of oncological patients with definitive and temporary colostomy. methods: descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at a public hospital in brasilia, federal district of brazil. the study analyzed 39 patients with colorectal cancer, 76.9% males, sorted into two groups: definitive ostomy (n=26) and temporary ostomy (n=13). the world health organization quality of life (whoqol)-bref questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. data were analyzed using excel 2007 and statistical package for social sciences 19.0. results: 50% of definitive and 76.9% of temporary ostomy patients reported that the physical pain did not interfere in the affairs. 38.5% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy accepted their physical appearance. 46.2% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy reported good quality of life. 84.6% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy did not enjoy their life. 50% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy were satisfied with their sleep. 57.7% of definitive and 53.8% of temporary ostomy considered the environments as healthy. over 70% of definitive and over 50% of temporary ostomy had financial constraints and were dissatisfied with leisure opportunities, respectively. 69.2% of definitive and 46.2% of temporary ostomy presented lower libido. 88.5% of definitive and 61.5% of temporary ostomy attended the church. conclusion: the results showed that temporary ostomy patients suffer the same afflictions as the patients with definitive ostomy, equally affecting the quality of life of these patients.