Abstract: Stomas get done for a variety of reasons and can be seen by the patient as both a blessing and a curse. This study aims to investigate the lived experiences of patients going through a stoma operation as it relates to quality of life, and what factors play a part in that experience. The area is well examined from a quantitative standpoint but there is a lack of qualitative information. Thus, this study was constructed as adescriptive qualitative literature review. A content analysis was made, and six main themes could be identified: life style changes, acceptance of the stoma, hygiene, sexuality and intimacy, social situation, and nurse’s role in the recuperation process. The study concludes that a stoma has a varying effect on the quality of life in patients depending on several factors. These factors include how prepared the patient is for the operation and how quickly the patient learns to deal with the practical challenges a stoma entails.