Fifty Years With a Brooke Ileostomy: An Autobiographical Case Report

Permanent Brooke ileostomy continues to be a treatment option for selected patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This case report describes the author’s 50-year experience living with Crohn’s disease and a Brooke ileostomy, including the psychosocial and dietary adaptations required and the management of common complications such as peri-stomal irritant dermatitis, food blockage, and acute infectious diarrhea. Cross-sectional studies indicate that the quality of life with an ileostomy is usually good, but adaptation to an ileostomy is a life-long process.