Quality of life amongst patients with diverting umbilical stomas in rectal surgery: a single centre prospective randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The umbilical stoma (umbistoma) has been proposed as a viable alternative site for a temporary defunctioning stoma. Suggested advantages of the umbistoma include decreased number of surgical incisions required, improved cosmesis and ease of reversal surgery. This study aimed to assess the patient experience of umbilical loop ileostomies in rectal surgery, with the primary outcome being patient reported quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A total of 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery were randomly allocated to have a defunctioning ileostomy at a conventional site (right iliac fossa) or at the umbilicus. Patient-reported QoL was assessed at 6 weeks using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were number of stomas reversed, length of time awaiting stoma reversal surgery, duration of operative time for stoma reversal, length of hospital stay following stoma reversal and rate of parastomal or post reversal incisional hernias. RESULTS: Patients who had an umbilical stoma scored significantly lower on the Stoma-QoL questionnaire compared to the conventional group, particularly on questions regarding feelings of tiredness, body insecurity and anxiety. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in relation to secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: There may be potential disadvantages to the umbilical stoma with negative impacts on body image and subsequent increased social anxiety. Patient selection and adequate counselling will be important when considering an umbilical stoma. Further larger scale prospective studies are required to further validate the feasibility and longer-term safety of umbilical stomas in both clinical outcomes as well as patient QoL.

Temporary Diverting Ileostomy via the Umbilicus: a Small Case Series.

The umbilicus, a natural orifice, which is used as an access port during laparoscopic surgery, can be used as a stoma site with potential superior cosmetic results as one less incision is then required. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of the umbilical stoma in a selected group of patients. This is a prospective case series in hospital patients admitted as emergency or elective. Patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with a planned ileostomy at Box Hill Hospital were approached and invited to participate in the study, with the stoma being fashioned on the umbilicus. Outcomes of interest included demographics, the details regarding the original indication for operation, operative and hospital related outcomes, postoperative bowel related complications, and other surgical and medical complications. Outcomes of a total of 10 (5 males) patients who underwent umbilical covering ileostomy during the study period were analyzed. Two patients with ulcerative colitis had the second stage of their operation converting their end stomas to loop stoma. These were counted twice, totaling 12 stomas in 10 patients. Three patients had their umbistomas after receiving neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. The median period patients have had umbistomas is 113 days. Overall morbidity during the initial operation was low, except for 1 patient who had a small bowel injury. There was no mortality. Minor peristomal skin changes were the most common postoperative complication. Three patients had their stomas reversed with excellent cosmesis. Umbistomas appear to be a safe and effective way to fashion covering stomas post laparoscopic surgery and save the patient an added incision with excellent cosmetic results.

Strategies to reduce treatment costs of peristomal skin complications.

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are common and troublesome and the consequences are substantial both for the patient and from a health-economic viewpoint. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that early detection and treatment of PSCs, combined with the use of a correctly fitted and appropriate pouching system, can reduce treatment costs-in the UK, it is estimated to save £28.1m annually. A model for cost estimation of PSCs and a real-life global data set of people with stomas are used for the calculations. A high priority should be given to ensuring resources are available to provide education, guidance and assistance to people with a stoma. This would support increased awareness of the first signs of PSCs and enable self-management at an early stage.