Revising Our Concepts about Stoma Covering a Low Rectal Anastomosis

Introduction There has been conclusive evidence that defunctioning stoma with either transverse colostomy or ileostomy mitigates the serious consequences of anastomotic leakage. However, whether transverse colostomy or ileostomy is preferred for defunctioning a rectal anastomosis remains controversial. The present study was designed to identify the best defunctioning stoma for colorectal anastomosis. Objective To improve the quality of life in patients with rectal resection and anastomosis and reduce the morbidity before and after closure of the stoma. Patients and Methods The present study included 48 patients with elective colorectal resection who were randomly arranged into 2 equal groups, with 24 patients each. Group I consisted of patients who underwent ileostomy, and group II consisted of patients who underwent colostomy as a defunctioning stoma for a low rectal anastomosis. All surviving patients were readmitted to have their stoma closed and were followed-up for 6 months after closure of their stomas. All data regarding local and general complications of construction and closure of the stoma of the two groups were recorded and blotted against each other to clarify the most safe and tolerable procedure. Results We found that all nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, electrolytes imbalance, peristomal dermatitis, and frequent change of appliances are statistically more common in the ileostomy group, while stomal retraction and wound infection after closure of the stoma were statistically more common in the colostomy group. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the total hospital stay and mortality between the two groups. Conclusion and Recommendation Ileostomy has much higher morbidities than colostomy and it also has a potential risk of mortality; therefore, we recommend colostomy as the ideal method for defunctioning a distal colorectal anastomosis.

Loop ileostomy versus transverse colostomy as a covering stoma after anterior resection for rectal cancer

Background: Most colorectal cancer occurs due to lifestyle and increase age with only a minority of cases associated with underlying genetic disorders and environmental factors enables us to move in the direction of a complete assessment of disease risk. The objective of the present study was to compare between two different types of diverting stoma (loop ileostomy and transverse colostomy) as regard immediate and remote complications in patient with rectal cancer treated by restorative resection.Methods: A prospective randomized comparative clinical study was conducted on 50 patients who underwent anterior resection and low anterior resection for rectal cancer divided into two groups: Group I consisted of 25 patients who underwent by loop ileostomy. Group II consisted of 25 patients who underwent by loop transverse colostomy. All patients attended to surgical oncology unit of Sayed Galal hospital, Al Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt during the period from October 2018 to October 2019. Full history, routine, physical examination, routine and imaging investigations were done.Results: 80% and 84% of loop ileostomy and transverse colostomy patients had anterior resection, respectively with no statistically significant differences between the two studied groups regarding anterior resection. Patient who treated by loop ileostomy had deceased time of closure (5.2±0.25 weeks) and stay in hospital (5.16±1.65 and 3.29±0.55 days) than those treated by transverse colostomy (9.6±0.37 weeks) and (7.44±2.58 and 6.03±1.97 days) respectively.Conclusions: Egyptians have unique tumor characters and behavior, and different compliance with treatment regimens. Multicenter prospective studies, as well as evolving Egyptian treatment guidelines are needed to address this.

Loop Transverse Colostomy - A Modified Technique

Background: Transverse colostomy is commonly performed to create temporary stoma in rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conventional methods are either difficult to implement or to care for. To resolve these problems, we herein describe a modified transverse colostomy method. Material and Methods: Two sutures of peritoneum were made as “bridges” to support the stoma. Absorbable sutures were utilized to reinforce the stoma. Once the stoma was created, the stoma bag was immediately placed on the skin. 120 patients who received conventional or modified transverse colostomy between 2008 and 2014 were selected. Then, the two groups of patients were compared for stoma-related complications. Results: The operation time of stoma construction was 34±10 minutes for the conventional method and 28±7 minutes for the modified method (P= 0.009). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to postoperative bleeding, bowel obstruction or stoma retraction. Patients with conventional transverse colostomy were remarkably more likely to experience parastoma hernia (P= 0.048) and stoma prolapse (P= 0.038). Conclusion: In comparison with conventional methods, the modified transverse colostomy is a safe and effective diverting technique. It can be readily performed by all kinds of surgeons, especially those in underdeveloped areas. The technique represents a preferred method for constructing temporary stoma in rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.