A survey of 47 Israeli ileostomates known to the Israel Ostomy Association was performed. The outstanding features are 1) a low (5 per cent) referral rate of patients with inflammatory bowel disease for procto colectomy and ileostomy; 2) a high (64-85 per cent) incidence of cutaneous problems; 3) a low rate of rehabilitation, as measured by return to previous occupation, sexual life and social adjustment. However, our 47 ostomates were operated on 14 institutions in five countries and live in a subtropical climate-factors that may negatively affect the outcome. Since the study, the situation has improved.