Background and purposeThe Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) is an instrument for the assessment of quality of life (QOL) in diseases of the upper and lower GI tract, which is validated in several languages around the world. The purpose of this literature review is the assessment of the GIQLI in patients with benign colorectal diseases. Reports on GIQLI data are collected from several institutions, countries, and different cultures which allows for comparisons, which are lacking in literature.MethodsThe GIQL Index uses 36 items around 5 dimensions (gastrointestinal symptoms (19 items), emotional dimension (5 items), physical dimension (7 items), social dimension (4 items), and therapeutic influences (1 item). The literature search was performed on the GIQLI and colorectal disease, using reports in PubMed. Data are presented descriptively as GIQL Index points as well as a reduction from 100% maximum possible index points (max 144 index points = highest quality of life).ResultsThe GIQLI was found in 122 reports concerning benign colorectal diseases, of which 27 were finally selected for detailed analysis. From these 27 studies, information on 5664 patients (4046 female versus 1178 male) was recorded and summarized. The median age was 52 years (range 29–74.7). The median GIQLI of all studies concerning benign colorectal disease was 88 index points (range 56.2–113). Benign colorectal disease causes a severe reduction in QOL for patients down to 61% of the maximum.ConclusionsBenign colorectal diseases cause substantial reductions in the patient’s QOL, well documented by GIQLI, which allows a comparison QOL with other published cohorts.