ORIGINAL: "Life without an Anus": Experience of Cancer Patients Living with Colostomy in South West Nigeria

West Afr J Med. May 2025; 42(5): 364-371 PMID: 41051126

Abstract

Introduction: As the incidence of colorectal cancer increases in Nigeria, more patients will get colostomies. Previous studies of patients with colostomies in other African countries have reported significant decreases in quality of life. Understanding the experiences of Nigerian patients is crucial for designing interventions that ensure patients can maintain a high quality of life after colostomy. This study aims to explore the impact of colostomy on the quality of life of Nigerian patients.

Methods: Between August and December 2022, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who had undergone a colostomy for at least six months. Patients were identified through an institutional database of colorectal cancer patients at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

Results: Patients overwhelmingly reported life-altering challenges related to their colostomy. Some of the most commonly reported challenges included social isolation, financial constraints, sexual dissatisfaction, and altered self-image. Patients also reported that they did not understand until after surgery what it would be like to live with a colostomy.

Conclusion: As the number of cancer patients with colostomies increases in Nigeria, it is important to address the social and financial barriers that patients face after having a colostomy.