Impact of a preoperative 3D-printed stoma on the quality of life in patients with temporary ostomy

Background Ostomy produces changes in body image. We developed a 3D-printed device to improve patients’ adaptation to the stoma. Our objective was to evaluate postoperative quality of life (QoL) in patients after temporary ileostomy, using the Stoma-QoL scale two months after surgery. Methods Only patients getting a temporary ilestomy were included. Patients attended therapeutic education with a stomatherapist. The target site for ileostomy was marked with a pen (MO group) or marked and covered with the 3D-printed device (M3D). Patients answered the Stoma-Quol questionnaire two months after hospitalisation. Results Fifty patients were included. Six (24%) and 5 patients (21%) had side effects related to the device in the M3D group and the MO group, respectively. Two months after hospitalisation, the scores of QoL were 60.6 and 60.5, respectively for the M3D and MO groups (p = 0.97). During the first month after hospitalisation, patients with complications (Clavien ≥ 3) met their stomatherapist more frequently, with 4.8 (3-6.7) consultations versus 0.2 (0.6-1) consultations for individuals with mild complications (Clavien < 3) or none (p < 0.001). Conclusions This preliminary study confirms the QoL score of patients with a temporary ileostomy and could be used as a reference for future studies on stoma patients in France. We confirm the benefit of therapeutic education on stoma patients and the need for special care for patients having a severe postoperative complication. Trial registration number: NCT04326335