Anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer laparoscopic surgery: can a transanal drainage tube be an alternative to diverting stoma?

OBJECTIVE: Anastomosis leakage in laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is still a serious problem affecting the patient's treatment outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the role of a transanal drainage tube compared with a diverting stoma in reducing the rate of anastomosis leakage and limiting surgical complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 196 rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection from July 2018 to October 2022 at 108 Central Military Hospital. The transanal drainage tube was placed in 133 patients (group A), and diverting stoma was performed in 63 patients (group B). RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups regarding age, sex, comorbidities, distance from the tumor to the anal verge, and preoperative stage. The amount of blood loss, the method of performing the anastomosis, and the distance from the anastomosis to the anal verge did not differ between the two groups. However, the surgical time was longer in the group with diverting stoma (138.3 ± 25.1 minutes vs. 127.6 ± 31 minutes, p = 0.018). The rate of anastomosis was not significantly different between groups A and B (8.3% in group A and 7.9% in group B, p = 0.936). The proportion of patients with anastomosis requiring reoperation in group A was higher than in group B. However, the difference was not statistically significant (8/11 patients in group A and 2/5 patients in group B, p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Placing a transanal drainage tube in laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer to reduce the rate of anastomosis can be considered an alternative method for diverting stoma with complications related to the stoma.

Reversal Surgery for Split Stoma with Peristomal Incision is Associated with Improved Postoperative Outcome in Patients with Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Temporary stoma formation is common in Crohn's disease (CD), while stoma reversal is associated with postoperative morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of split stoma reversal, SSR (i.e., exteriorization of proximal and distal ends of the stoma through a small common opening) and end stoma closure, ESC (i.e., the proximal stump externalized, and distal end localized abdominally. METHODS: Patients with CD who underwent stoma reversal surgeries between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed to evaluate outcomes of reversal surgery. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients who underwent stoma reversal surgeries met the inclusion criteria. SSR was superior to ESC in terms of operative time (80.0 vs. 120.0, p = 0.0004), intraoperative blood loss volume (20.0 vs. 100.0, p = 0.0002), incision length (3.0 vs. 15.0, p < 0.0001), surgical wound classification (0 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.04), postoperative hospital stay (7.0 vs. 9.0, p = 0.0007), hospital expense (45.6 vs. 54.2, p = 0.0003), and postoperative complications (23.8% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.0040). Although patients in the ESC group experienced more surgical recurrence than those in the SSR group (8.3% vs. 3.2%) during the follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed no statistical difference (p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: The split stoma can be recommended when stoma construction is indicated in patients with Crohn's disease.

Understanding the associations between receipt of, and interest in, advice from a healthcare professional and quality of life in individuals with a stoma from colorectal cancer: a latent profile analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore whether profiles derived from self-reported quality of life were associated with receipt of, and interest in, advice from a healthcare professional in people with a stoma. METHODS: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional national survey data from England of 4487 people with a stoma from colorectal cancer. The survey assessed quality of life using various scales, receipt and interest in various forms of advice, and physical activity. A three-step latent profile analysis was conducted to determine the optimum number of profiles. Multinomial regression explored factors associated with profile membership. A series of logistic regression models examined whether profile membership was associated with interest in advice. RESULTS: Five profiles were identified; 'consistently good quality of life', 'functional issues', 'functional and financial issues', 'low quality of life' and 'supported but struggling'. Individuals in the 'functional and financial issues' and 'low quality of life' profiles were more likely to have received financial advice compared to the 'consistently good quality of life' profile. When compared to the 'consistently good quality of life' profile, all other profiles were more likely to report wanting advice across a range of areas, with the strongest associations in the 'low quality of life' profile. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that people with a stoma are not a homogenous group in terms of quality of life. Participants in profiles with quality of life concerns report wanting more advice across various categories but findings suggest there is scope to explore how this can be tailored or adapted to specific groups.

Stoma associated complications after diverting loop ileostomy, end ileostomy or split stoma formation after right sided colectomy-a retrospective cohort study (StoComSplit Analysis).

BACKGROUND: For high-risk patients receiving right-sided colectomy, stoma formation is a safety strategy. Options are anastomosis with loop ileostomy, end ileostomy, or split stoma. The aim is to compare the outcome of these three options. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent right sided colectomy and stoma formation between January 2008 and December 2021 at two tertial referral centers in Switzerland. The primary outcome was the stoma associated complication rate within one year. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included. A total of 20 patients (17%) underwent primary anastomosis with loop ileostomy (PA group), 29 (25%) received an end ileostomy (ES group) and 67 (58%) received a split stoma (SS group). Stoma associated complication rate was 43% (n = 21) in PA and in ES group and 50% (n = 34) in SS group (n.s.). A total of 30% (n = 6) of patients in PA group needed reoperations, whereas 59% (n = 17) in ES and 58% (n = 39) in SS group had reoperations (P = 0.07). Wound infections occurred in 15% (n = 3) in PA, in 10% (n = 3) in ES, and in 30% (n = 20) in SS group (P = 0.08). A total of 13 patients (65%) in PA, 7 (24%) in ES, and 29 (43%) in SS group achieved stoma closure (P = 0.02). A total of 5 patients (38%) in PA group, 2 (15%) in ES, and 22 patients (67%) in SS group had a stoma-associated rehospitalization (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Primary anastomosis and loop ileostomy may be an option for selected patients. Patients with end ileostomies have fewer stoma-related readmissions than those with a split stoma, but they have a lower rate of stoma closure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial not registered.

Predictors for temporary stomas non-closure among non-metastatic rectal cancer patients undergoing curative resection: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The primary treatment for non-metastatic rectal cancer is curative resection. However, sphincter-preserving surgery may lead to complications. This study aims to develop a predictive model for stoma non-closure in rectal cancer patients who underwent curative-intent low anterior resection. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with non-metastatic rectal cancer between January 2005 and December 2017, who underwent low anterior resection, were retrospectively included in the Chang Gung Memorial Foundation Institutional Review Board. A comprehensive evaluation and analysis of potential risk factors linked to stoma non-closure were performed. RESULTS: Out of 956 patients with temporary stomas, 10.3% (n = 103) experienced non-closure primarily due to cancer recurrence and anastomosis-related issues. Through multivariate analysis, several preoperative risk factors significantly associated with stoma non-closure were identified, including advanced age, anastomotic leakage, positive nodal status, high preoperative CEA levels, lower rectal cancer presence, margin involvement, and an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. A risk assessment model achieved an AUC of 0.724, with a cutoff of 2.5, 84.5% sensitivity, and 51.4% specificity. Importantly, the non-closure rate could rise to 16.6% when more than two risk factors were present, starkly contrasting the 3.7% non-closure rate observed in cases with a risk score of 2 or below (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prognostic risk factors associated with the non-closure of a temporary stoma include advanced age, symptomatic anastomotic leakage, nodal status, high CEA levels, margin involvement, and an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Hence, it is crucial for surgeons to evaluate these factors and provide patients with a comprehensive prognosis before undergoing surgical intervention.

Peristomal skin care: seeking the solution to maintain skin integrity?

Francesca Ramadan reviews the mechanisms, benefits and limitations of the most common peristomal skin complication treatments, empowering stoma care practitioners to provide more effective and personalised solutions for their patients.

Complications associated with loop ileostomy: analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Loop ileostomy is a common surgical procedure but is associated with complications such as outlet obstruction (OO), parastomal hernia (PH), and high-output stoma (HOS). This study aimed to identify risk factors for these complications, as well as their causal relationships. METHODS: The study included 188 consecutive patients who underwent loop ileostomy between April 2016 and September 2021. Clinical factors and postoperative stoma-related complications (OO, HOS, and PH) were analyzed retrospectively. Stoma-related factors were evaluated using specific measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans. The incidence, clinical course, and risk factors for the stoma-related complications were investigated. RESULTS: OO was diagnosed in 28 cases (15.7%), PH in 60 (32%), and HOS in 57 (31.8%). A small longitudinal stoma diameter at the rectus abdominis level on CT and a right-sided stoma were significantly associated with OO. Creation of an ileostomy for anastomotic leakage was independently associated with HOS. Higher body weight and a large longitudinal stoma diameter at the rectus abdominis level on CT were significantly associated with PH. There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of OO and HOS. However, the association between OO and PH was marginal. CONCLUSION: This study identified key risk factors for OO, HOS, and PH as complications of loop ileostomy and their causal relationships. Our findings provide insights that may guide the prevention and management of complications related to loop ileostomy.

The Effect of Spiritual Well-being on the Self-efficacy Level of Individuals with an Intestinal Stoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spiritual well-being and self-efficacy levels in patients with intestinal stomas. METHODS: For this descriptive study, researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with 51 participants. Data were analyzed using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, the Stoma Self-efficacy Scale (SSES), and the Three-Factor Spiritual Well-being Scale (TF-SWBS). RESULTS: Participants had a mean SSES score of 56.98 ± 21.24. Education level and stoma type affected the SSES scores. Income level affected TF-SWBS scores. There was no correlation between SSES and TF-SWBS total scores. There was a positive correlation between TF-SWBS scores and stoma duration and age. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses should provide trainings to develop self-efficacy among and enhance psychosocial and spiritual support for patients with a stoma.

Clostridium difficile infection after stoma reversal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been described in the early post-operative phase after stoma reversal. This systematic review aimed to describe the incidence of CDI after stoma reversal and to identify pre-operative variables correlated with an increased risk of infection. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines in March 2024. Manuscripts were included if reported at least one patient with CDI-associated diarrhoea following stoma reversal (colostomy/ileostomy). The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of CDI; the secondary outcome was the comparison of clinical variables (age, sex, time to stoma reversal, neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapies after index colorectal procedure) in CDI-positive versus CDI-negative patients. A meta-analysis was performed when at least three studies reported on those variables. RESULTS: Out of 43 eligible manuscripts, 1 randomized controlled trial and 10 retrospective studies were selected, including 17,857 patients (2.1% CDI). Overall, the mean age was 64.3 ± 11.6 years in the CDI group and 61.5 ± 12.6 years in the CDI-negative group (p = 0.51), with no significant difference in sex (p = 0.34). Univariable analyses documented that the mean time to stoma reversal was 53.9 ± 19.1 weeks in CDI patients and 39.8 ± 15.0 weeks in CDI-negative patients (p = 0.40) and a correlation between neo-adjuvant and adjuvant treatments with CDI (p < 0.001). A meta-analysis was performed for time to stoma reversal, age, sex, and neo-adjuvant therapies disclosing no significant differences for CDI (stoma delay, MD 11.59; 95%CI  24.32-1.13; age, MD 0.97; 95%CI 2.08-4.03; sex, OR1.11; 95%CI 0.88-1.41; neo-adjuvant, OR0.81; 95%CI 0.49-1.35). Meta-analysis including patients who underwent adjuvant therapy evidenced a higher risk of CDI (OR 2.88; 95%CI 1.01-8.17, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: CDI occurs in approximately 2.1% of patients after stoma reversal. Although a trend of increased delay in stoma reversal and a correlation with chemotherapy were documented in CDI patients, the use of adjuvant therapy was the only possible risk factor documented on meta-analysis. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023484704.

Intestinal Transplant for Hirschsprung's Disease: Stoma for Life or Not?

Hirschsprung's disease is a dysmotility disease caused by lack of ganglion cells in the bowel wall that can affect varying lengths of the intestine. In extreme circumstances, there can be little remaining ganglionated bowel, and the patient becomes dependent on parental nutrition (PN) for survival. Intestinal transplant has been utilized to salvage these patients suffering terminal complications of PN. The question as to whether to reestablish intestinal continuity, and thus not require a stoma is vexed. However, data and experience would suggest this can be safely done with good functional results.

Should a Stoma Be Used After Intestinal Transplant.

As we all acknowledge benefits of ostomies, they can come with significant morbidity, quality of life issues, and major complications, especially during reversal procedures. In recent years, we have started to observe that similar graft and patient survival can be achieved without ostomies in certain cases. This observation and practice adopted in a few large-volume transplant centers opened a new discussion about the necessity of ostomies in intestinal transplantation. There is still more time and randomized studies will be needed to better understand and analyze the risk/benefits of "No-ostomy" approach in intestinal transplantation.

Stoma care and diet in the community.

Community nurses are often the common link with people in the community with healthcare services. Community nurses are involved in the care of people living with a temporary or permanent stoma and might be asked specialist questions of which they may feel uncertain of appropriate responses. This article describes some basic facts about stoma as well as specialist dietary considerations; which can be used to improve symptoms such as constipation as well as how to prevent issues such as a food bolus obstruction. An increased understanding of stoma-related dietary needs among community nurses will likely improve care outcomes, as they will feel more equipped to offer tailored guidance and support.

Stoma care: an update.

Each year an estimated 13 500 stoma surgeries are carried out in the UK (Kettle, 2019). Stoma surgery may involve the formation of a colostomy or an ileostomy. The person with a stoma may require help and support from the community nurse. This article aims to update readers on the indications for colostomy and ileostomy surgery and to enable them to support ostomates to reduce the risks of complications.

Preoperative risk factors and cumulative incidence of temporary ileostomy non-closure after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Temporary ileostomy (TI) has proven effective in reducing the severity of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery; however, some ileostomies fail to reverse over time, leading to conversion into a permanent stoma (PS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the preoperative risk factors and cumulative incidence of TI non-closure after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis after searching the Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases from their inception until November 2023. We collected all published studies on the risk factors related to TI non-closure after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. RESULTS: A total of 1610 studies were retrieved, and 13 studies were included for meta-analysis, comprising 3026 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the identified risk factors included older age (p = 0.03), especially > 65 years of age (p = 0.03), male sex (p = 0.009), American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥ 3 (p = 0.004), comorbidity (p = 0.001), and distant metastasis (p < 0.001). Body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative albumin, preoperative carcinoma embryonic antigen, tumor location, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, smoking, history of abdominal surgery, and open surgery did not significantly change the risk of TI non-closure. CONCLUSION: We identified five preoperative risk factors for TI non-closure after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. This information enables surgeons to identify high-risk groups before surgery, inform patients about the possibility of PS in advance, and consider performing protective colostomy or Hartmann surgery.

Management of the Difficult Stoma.

Fecal ostomy creation is a commonly performed procedure with many indications. Better outcomes occur when preoperative patient education and stoma site marking are provided. Despite a seemingly simple operation, ostomy creation is often difficult and complications are common. Certain risk factors, particularly obesity, are strongly associated with stoma-related complications. The ability to optimize the ostomy and stoma in the operating room and to troubleshoot frequently encountered post-operative stoma-related issues are critical skills for surgeons and ostomy nurses alike.

The Effect of Stoma Site Marking on Stomal Complications: A Long-term Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of stoma site marking on stoma-related complications. METHODS: The study sample included 639 individuals with stomas who were followed up in a stomatherapy unit in Turkey between January 1, 2017, and June 20, 2021. Researchers collected patient data from nursing records. Data were evaluated using number, percentage, χ2, and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: Of the individuals with stomas, 60.6% (n = 387) were men, and 72.6% (n = 464) had a cancer diagnosis. Their mean age was 60.16 (SD, 14.81) years. The stoma site was marked preoperatively in of 67.1% of patients (n = 429), and 17.1% (n = 109) developed stoma-related complications. The complication rate was higher in individuals with unmarked stoma sites (25.7%; P = .000), emergency surgeries (25.0%; P = .006), colostomies (23.9%; P = .042), and permanent stomas (28.3%; P = .002). The three most common complications were peristomal skin problems (56.9%), mucocutaneous separation (13.8%), and edema (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of stoma-related complications in the postoperative period was higher in individuals with unmarked stoma sites. The authors recommend that stoma and wound care nurses mark the stoma site in individuals for whom stoma creation is planned.

Robotic modified Sugarbaker technique for parastomal hernia repair: a standardized approach.

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a prevalent long-term morbidity associated with stoma construction, and the optimal operative management remains uncertain. This study addresses the need for a standardized approach to symptomatic PSH repair, focusing on the robotic-assisted modified Sugarbaker technique with composite permanent mesh. The study, conducted in a high-volume colon and rectal surgery referral practice, outlines a systematic approach to patient selection, surgical procedures, and postoperative care. Preoperative evaluations include detailed medical and surgical histories, impact assessments of PSH, and oncological history reviews. The surgical technique involves the Da Vinci Xi™ robotic platform for adhesiolysis, hernia content reduction, stoma revision if needed, narrowing of the enlarged stoma trephine, lateralization of the stoma limb of bowel, and securing the mesh to the abdominal wall. Outcomes are reported for 102 patients undergoing robotic parastomal hernia repair from January 2021 to July 2023. Conversion to open surgery occurred in only one case (0.9%). Postoperative complications affected 39.2% of patients, with ileus being the most frequent (24.5%). Recurrence was observed in 5.8% of cases during an average follow-up of 10 months. In conclusion, parastomal hernia, a common complication post-stoma creation, demands surgical intervention. The robotic-assisted modified Sugarbaker repair technique, as outlined in this paper, offers promising results in terms of feasibility and outcomes.