Passage of mucus per rectum in stoma patients; impact on quality of life

Aims: Excessive mucus discharge per rectum may occur in patients who have stoma fashioned. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of this problem, and to assess its impact on quality of life.

Methods: Forty six suitable patients who attend our stoma care clinic were included in this analysis. A structured questionnaire designed to investigate the extent and effects of mucous discharge per rectum was forwarded to each patient.

Results: Thirty-two completed questionnaires(70%) were returned for analysis, of which 60% were male patients. Twenty-two patients(69%) had colostomies fashioned and 10 patients ileostomies. The symptom of per rectum discharge was documented by 22 patients(69%), of which 10 reported spotting, 11 reported passage of small amount and one reported profuse mucus discharge. Six patients required incontinence pad. This problem interfered with work and normal daily activities in eight patients and leisure activities in six patients. Overall, passage of mucus caused significant inconvenience for five patients, and one found it to be incapacitating.

Conclusions: Passage of mucus per rectum is a problem for a significant number of patients who have undergone stoma formation. This study highlights the occurrence of this problem and its effects on patients' quality of life.