Investigating Risk Factors for Complications after Ileostomy Reversal in Low Anterior Rectal Resection Patients: An Observational Study

Diverting ileostomy in benign colorectal surgery: the real clinical cost analysis

There are three types of complications stoma related: ones related to its construction, ones related to its function and related to closure. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of complications related to the stoma presence and to identificate variables related to complications. We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent sphincter-preserving elective surgery for benign condition between January 2013 and December 2020 at IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital in Negrar, Verona. Data were collected regarding demographics and complications associated with primary surgery, stoma closure and the interval period. Univariable and multivariable analysIs were conducted. A total of 446 (12.2%) diverting loop ileostomies were performed. At index procedure, 76 (17%) patients had complications and 34 patients had complications related to ileostomy creation. Twenty patients (4.4%) were re admitted before stoma closure for dehydration. One hundred and eighty-seven patients (41.9%) suffered from ileostomy management's problems. At univariate analysis, complications of having stoma are more frequent in elder patients (p = 0.013), ASA score > 2 (p = 0.02), IBD diagnosis (p = < 0.001) and patients who had ileostomy creation complications (p = 0.04). At stoma closure, 55 (12.3%) patients had complications. Forty-seven patients (10.5%) presented incisional hernia in the stoma closure site. Ileostomy closure complications are more common with ASA score > 2 (p = 0.01) and IBD diagnosis (p < 0.001). IBD was found an independent factor of poor outcome at the time of ileostomy creation and closure. Developing complications at the time of ileostomy creation is statistically related to develop complications during ileostomy maintenance at multivariable analysis A loop ileostomy is usually created to limit the potentially life-threatening consequenceS of anastomotic leakage, but it is not able to decrease the leak-related mortality, wound sepsis, postoperative bleeding and small bowel obstruction. Debate rises not only for its uncertain efficacy but also because of the significant morbidity related to stoma. The surgeon could use these data in order to tailor his surgical strategy to the patients and their disease.

Predictors of complications after prophylactic ileostomy reversal for rectal cancer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have analyzed the risk factors for complications after ileostomy reversal for rectal cancer (RC), but there were significant differences in the reported risk factors for complications after stoma reversal. No studies have analyzed the risk factors for stoma-related complications and overall postoperative complications separately.

AIM

To analyze the risk factors for overall complications and stoma-related complications after ileostomy reversal for patients with RC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 439 patients who underwent ileostomy reversal at a clinical center and were followed up between September 2012 and September 2022. Continuous variables are expressed as the mean ± SD and were analyzed with independent-sample t tests, while frequency variables are expressed as n (%), and the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of overall complications and stoma-related complications.

RESULTS

The overall complication rate after ileostomy reversal was 11.4%. Patients with lower preoperative albumin concentration (P < 0.01), greater blood loss (P = 0.017), and longer operative times (P < 0.01) were more likely to experience postoperative complications. The incidence of stoma-related complications was 6.4%. Analysis of the study showed that a higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.01), preoperative comorbid hypertension (P = 0.049), time from primary surgery to ileostomy reversal (P < 0.01) and longer operation time (P = 0.010) were more likely to result in stoma-related complications postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a lower preoperative albumin level (P < 0.01, OR = 0.888, 95%CI: 0.828-0.958) was an independent risk factor for overall complications. Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that BMI (P < 0.01, OR = 1.176, 95%CI: 1.041-1.330) and time from primary surgery to ileostomy reversal (P < 0.01, OR = 1.140, 95%CI: 1.038-1.252) were independent risk factors for stoma-related complications after stoma reversal.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative albumin level was a predictor of overall complications. Preoperative BMI and the time from primary surgery to ileostomy reversal were predictors of stoma-related complications.

Complications Rate and Related Factors After Laparoscopic Sphincter-Preserving Total Mesorectal Excision for Low Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Study in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern. Surgery remains a critical component of the multimodal treatment strategy. The laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision (TME) is increasingly utilized and effective, offering enhanced quality of life for patients compared to previous traditional methods.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the rate of complications and the related factors associated with complications following laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City from March 2022 to March 2023. It included patients aged 18 years and older diagnosed with low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision. Data on patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative complications were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Follow-ups were conducted up to six months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 83 patients included, the postoperative complications rate was 14.5%. The complications observed included surgical wound infections (five cases), anastomotic leaks (five cases, including three recto-vaginal fistulas and two pelvic abscesses), urinary retention (one case), and pneumonia (one case). A significant finding was the higher rate of distant metastases in patients with complications compared to those without (p=0.033).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sphincter-preserving total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer is safe and effective, with a high success rate and low complication rate during or after surgery. Anastomotic leakage remains the most significant complication. Despite advancements in surgery, modern suturing tools, and preoperative patient optimization, complications are avoidable. Therefore, understanding the related factors and implementing preventive interventions is crucial.

Early postoperative complications after transverse colostomy closure, a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Ostomy is a common surgery usually performed to protect patients from clinical symptoms caused by distal anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and perforation or to relieve intestinal obstruction.

AIM

To analyze the complications after transverse colostomy closure.

METHODS

Patients who underwent transverse colostomy closure from Jan 2015 to Jan 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in a single clinical center. The differences between the complication group and the no complication group were compared. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to find independent factors for overall complications or incision infection.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients who underwent transverse colostomy closure were enrolled in the current study. Seventy (68.6%) patients underwent transverse colostomy because of CRC related causes. Postoperative complications occurred in 30 (29.4%) patients and the most frequent complication occurring after transverse colostomy closure was incision infection (46.7%). The complication group had longer hospital stays (P < 0.01). However, no potential risk factors were identified for overall complications and incision infection.

CONCLUSION

The most frequent complication occurring after transverse colostomy closure surgery in our center was incision infection. The operation time, interval from transverse colostomy to reversal, and method of anastomosis might have no impact on the postoperative complications. Surgeons should pay more attention to aseptic techniques.

Protective ileostomy after low anterior resection for extraperitoneal rectal cancer: does the reversal surgery timing affect closure failure?

Loop ileostomy is commonly performed after LAR with TME to temporarily protect the anastomosis. Usually, defunctioning stoma is closed after 1-6 months, although sometimes it becomes definitive de facto. The aim of this study is to investigate the long-term risk of no-reversal of protective ileostomy after LAR for middle-low rectal cancer and the predictive risk factors. A retrospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent curative LAR with covering ileostomy for extraperitoneal rectal cancer in two colorectal units was performed. A different policy for scheduling stoma closure was applied between centers. All the data were collected through an electronic database (Microsoft Excel®). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact and Student's t test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Two-hundred twenty-two patients were analysed: reversal procedure was carried out in 193 patients, in 29 cases stoma was never closed. The mean interval time from index surgery was 4.9 months (Center1: 3 vs. Center2: 7.8). At the univariate analysis, mean age and tumor stage were significantly higher in the "no-reversal" group. Unclosed ostomies were significantly lower in Center 1 than Center 2 (8% vs. 19.6%). At the multivariate analysis female gender, anastomotic leakage and Center 2 had significant higher risk of unclosed ileostomy. Currently, no clinical recommendations have been established and the policy of scheduling stoma reversal is variable. Our study suggests that an established protocol could avoid closure delay, decreasing permanent stomas. Consequently, ileostomy closure should be weighed as standardized step in cancer therapeutic pathway.

Determination of Factors Related to the Reversal and Perioperative Outcomes of Defunctioning Ileostomies in Patients Undergoing Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Regression Analysis Model

PURPOSE

Defunctioning ileostomies are often performed during rectal cancer surgery. However, stomas are sometimes associated with complications, while 20-30% of them are never reversed. Additionally, ileostomy closure can have associated morbidity, with rates as high as 45%, with the respective literature evidence being scarce and conflicting. Thus, we evaluated the stoma reversal outcomes and the risk factors for non-closure after rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all patients who had a defunctioning ileostomy at the time of resection for rectal cancer. All operations were performed by the same surgical team. A multivariable regression model was implemented.

RESULTS

In this study, 129 patients (male: 68.2%, female: 31.8%) were included. Ileostomy formation was associated with a total of 31% complication rate. Eventually 73.6% of the stomas were reversed at a mean time to closure of 26.6 weeks, with a morbidity of 13.7%. Non-reversal of ileostomy was correlated with neoadjuvant CRT (OR: 0.093, 95% CI: 0.012-0.735), anastomotic leakage (OR: 0.107, 95% CI: 0.019-0.610), and lymph node yield (OR: 0.946, 95% CI: 0.897-0.998). Time to reversal was affected by the N status, the LNR, the need for adjuvant chemotherapy, and the histologic grade.

CONCLUSION

In patients with rectal cancer resections, defunctioning stoma closure rate and time to closure were associated with several perioperative and pathological outcomes.

Renal dysfunction occurs following ileostomy formation and is independent of readmission

BACKGROUND

Ileostomy formation may be permanent or intended as temporary to defunction a high-risk pelvic anastomosis to reduce the risk of septic consequences of anastomotic leak. However, these procedures have a high rate of readmission, most commonly due to dehydration and associated with acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODS

A single centre retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent ileostomy formation from 2015 to 2020 and analysed in two groups: those who needed readmission within 60 days and those who did not. Data collected included demographics and renal function and electrolytes at baseline (ileostomy formation) and at elective ileostomy closure.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were included in the analysis, with a readmission rate 38% within 60 days of discharge. There was a significant increase in creatinine from baseline blood tests compared to date of elective ileostomy closure in both the readmission and no readmission arms. There was a significant decrease in eGFR from baseline blood tests compared with date of ileostomy closure in both readmission and no readmission arms. There was no significant difference in creatinine or eGFR between readmission and no readmission arms at date of ileostomy closure. Baseline serum sodium levels were lower in the readmission arm compared to no readmission arm.

CONCLUSION

Ileostomy formation is associated with a deterioration in renal function, which occurs independent of whether the patient requires readmission to hospital. Low serum sodium may be used as a predictor for patients with an increased risk of readmission.

Improving the time to ileostomy closure following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK

AIM

Delayed closure of ileostomy following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK is common. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the variation in patient pathways between hospitals, (ii) to identify the key learning points from units with the shortest time to closure and (iii) to develop guidance for a pathway to minimize delay in ileostomy closure.

METHOD

This was a mixed methods study. Thirty-eight colorectal units in the UK completed a short online survey. Nine colorectal units in Wales filled in an additional, expanded version of the survey. Semi-structured interviews were performed with clinicians from the six best performing units in terms of timely ileostomy closure. The optimal pathway suggested is based on the best evidence available and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines.

RESULTS

Qualitative analysis revealed that 5% of units (n = 2) have a local target time for ileostomy closure. Of all units, 90% (n = 34) would consider implementing a pathway if guidelines were developed. In-depth interviews highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, a dedicated coordinator to facilitate timely booking, and consensus on whether closure should be performed before or after adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of national guidance in timing of contrast studies and ileostomy closure. Key aspects to consider are better information at consent regarding stoma closure timing, a dedicated person to track patients and the planning of contrast studies at discharge from initial surgery. With a dedicated approach closure of ileostomy within 10-12 weeks is feasible for most units.

Assessment of defecation function after sphincter-saving resection for mid to low rectal cancer: A cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Patients with mid-to low-rectal cancer can have various dysfunctions of defecation after sphincter-saving resection. Defecation dysfunction can manifest as incontinence, urgency, or frequent bowel movements, and is called low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study aimed to examine LARS score and objective anorectal function indices in Chinese patients receiving sphincter-saving surgery for mid-to low-rectal cancer.

METHOD

This was a single-center cross-sectional study of patients undergoing sphincter-saving resection for low- or mid-rectal cancer and had restoration of trans-anal defecation for at least 1 month seen between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics, and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and high-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) were used to assess defecation function. Multivariable analysis was used to identify variables significantly associated with defecation dysfunction.

RESULTS

146 patients completed and returned the questionnaires. 25 healthy adults also participated as control group for the anorectal manometry. Approximately 76% of patients developed LARS after surgery, of which 35.6% had major LARS. In these patients, anorectal manometry indices including initial rectal sensory capacity and rectal fecal sensory capacity, were significantly lower than normal. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative chemo-radiotherapy and the tumor inferior margins being close to the dentate line, especially 2-5 cm, were independent risk factors for defecation dysfunction after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Defecation dysfunction is a frequent occurrence after sphincter-saving resection for mid- and low-rectal cancer. Preoperative chemo-radiotherapy and a shorter tumor inferior margins distance to the dentate line are independent factors for defecation dysfunction.

Increased risk of complications in smokers undergoing reversal of diverting ileostomy

BACKGROUND

Diverting ileostomy (DI) is utilised in rectal cancer surgery to mitigate the effects of anastomotic leak. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical risk factors associated with post-operative complications of DI reversal.

METHODS

A single-centre retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical resection for rectal cancer and subsequent DI reversal between January 2012 and December 2020 was undertaken. Medical records were reviewed to extract clinical, operative and pathologic details and post-operative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariable analyses were undertaken to assess risk factors associated with post-operative complications of DI reversal.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six adult patients who underwent DI reversal were included of which 49 had a post-operative complication (39%). The most common complication was prolonged post-operative ileus, which occurred in 24 patients (19%). On multivariable analysis smoking was significantly associated with overall complications (odds ratio [OR] = 5.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.90-16.52, p = 0.0018), and high Clavien-Dindo (2-5) category complications (OR = 4.60, 95% CI 1.81-11.68, p = 0.0013). In addition, patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were less likely to have a reversal of DI complication (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.19-0.94, p = 0.0342) and less likely to have a high Clavien-Dindo (2-5) category complication (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.93, p = 0.0311).

CONCLUSION

Smokers who have undergone surgical resection of rectal cancer have a significantly increased risk of post-operative complications after DI reversal. In these patients, the importance of smoking cessation must be emphasised. The decreased complication rate observed in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was an unexpected finding.

Factors impacting time to ileostomy closure after anterior resection: the UK closure of ileostomy timing cohort study (CLOSE-IT)

AIM

Delay to closure of ileostomy following anterior resection for rectal cancer may impair postoperative bowel function and quality of life. We analysed time to ileostomy closure across the UK and investigated factors delaying closure.

METHODS

For the retrospective cohort we assessed time to closure and incidence of non-closure for patients who underwent anterior resection with defunctioning ileostomy during 2015. Multivariate linear/Cox regression analyses were performed. For the prospective cohort we captured patients undergoing ileostomy closure during a 3-month period in 2018 to validate retrospective findings.

RESULTS

The retrospective cohort involved 788 patients of whom 669 (84.9%) had bowel continuity restored, median time to closure 259 days. Recognized factors associated with delay and risk of non-closure included anastomotic leak (hazard ratio [HR] 3.65, 2.61-5.08), chemotherapy (HR 2.62, 2.17-3.15) and cancer progression (HR 2.05, 1.62-2.58). Crucially, specific aspects of the surgical pathway were associated with time to closure; for example, waiting list entry prior to outpatient clinic review/imaging was associated with an estimated 133-day shorter interval to closure (P < 0.001). In the prospective cohort 288 patients underwent closure, at a median of 271 days. Chemotherapy use and cancer progression were associated with delay to closure while listing for surgery prior to clinic and imaging was associated with an estimated shorter interval to closure of 168 days (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Delays to closure of ileostomy are common in the UK. Listing patients for surgery only after follow-up outpatient appointment, imaging or chemotherapy delays closure. Findings will inform consensus guidelines towards an optimum treatment pathway to reduce delay and improve post-closure quality of life.

Loop ileostomy in rectal cancer surgery: factors predicting reversal and stoma related morbidity

PURPOSE

Loop ileostomy is performed in rectal cancer surgery to decrease the impact of anastomotic leak but it is associated with a significant complication rate. This study aimed to analyze the morbidity related to diverting ileostomy and to identify factors predictive of complications related to stoma management and reversal, as well as conversion into a permanent ileostomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients submitted to oncological rectal resection and defunctioning ileostomy in a Portuguese colorectal unit between March 2012 and March 2019.

RESULTS

Loop ileostomy was responsible for 13% of index surgery morbidity and 15% of patients' readmissions due to high output, stoma stenosis and parastomal hernia. Ileostomy was reversed in 89% cases with 7% Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb complications. An association was established between diabetes and higher stoma management morbidity (OR: 3.28 [95% CI: 1.039-10.426]. p = 0.041). Likewise, diabetes (OR: 0.17 [95% CI: 0.038; 6.90], p=0.015), oncological disease stage ≥ III (OR: 0.10 [95% CI: 0.005; 0.656], p=0.047) and index rectal surgery morbidity (OR: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.052; 0.955], p=0.041) were associated with less ileostomy closure. Complications of the index surgery also related to higher stoma reversal morbidity (OR: 5.11 [95% CI: 1.665; 16.346], p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes and complications of index rectal surgery were identified as predictive of ileostomy morbidity, closure rate and associated complications. It is essential to adjust treatment decisions to patient's morbidity risk and adopt a more selective approach concerning the use of an ileostomy.