Rod in loop ileostomy: just an insignificant detail for ileostomy-related complications?

Whether stoma support rods have application value in loop enterostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the application value of the stoma support rods in loop enterostomy.

Methods

The studies on the application of stoma rods in loop enterostomy published from January 2000 to January 2020 were searched in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Clinical trials. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that observed the value of stoma rods were included according to inclusion criteria. The RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 1131 patients with loop enterostomy in six studies were included in this study; there were 569 cases in the experimental group and 562 cases in the control group. All six studies analyzed the effect of support rods on the incidence of stoma retraction; the meta-analysis showed that in a total of 32 patients, stoma retraction occurred, with a total incidence of about 2.8% in 1131 patients. The incidence of stoma retraction in the rod group was not significantly lower than that in the non-rod group, and the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.32~1.32, I² = 0%, P = 0.23), and the studies were homogeneous. The incidences of stoma necrosis (OR = 6.41, 95% CI 2.22~18.55, I² = 0%, P = 0.0006), peristomal dermatitis (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 2.01~4.27, I² = 0%, P < 0.00001), and mucocutaneous separation (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.03~4.47, I² = 0%, P = 0.04) were significantly increased in the rod group.

Conclusions

It is not recommended to routinely use stoma support rods in the clinical practice.

Modified two-stage restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research

PURPOSE

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is performed for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). This operation is performed in 2 or 3 stages and involves forming a diverting loop ileostomy thought to protect patients from complications related to anastomotic leak. However, some advocate for a modified 2-stage approach, consisting of subtotal colectomy followed by completion proctectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing postoperative complication rates between modified 2-stage and traditional RPC with ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

METHODS

Records were sourced from PubMed/Embase databases. Studies comparing postoperative complications following RPC for ulcerative colitis (UC) were selected according to PRISMA guidelines comparing modified 2-stage (exposure), classic 2-stage, and 3-stage approaches (comparators). The primary outcome measure was safety as measured by postoperative complication rates. We employed random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included ten observational studies including 1727 patients (38% modified 2-stage). Among pediatric patients, modified 2-stage approaches had higher rates of anastomotic leak than 3-stage approaches (p = 0.03). Among adult cohorts with lower preoperative biologic use rates, modified 2-stage approaches had lower leak rates than classic 2-stage approaches (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The modified 2-stage approach may be safe for adult patients who otherwise require a 3-stage approach while reducing costs and length of stay. Pediatric patients may benefit from lower leak rates when receiving 3-stage compared with modified 2-stage approaches, especially when on biologics. The modified 2-stage approach may be safer than the classic 2-stage approach for adult patients with lower biologic exposure.

A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing early postoperative complications in patients undergoing loop colostomy with and without a stoma rod

AIM

A stoma rod or bridge has been traditionally placed under the bowel loop while constructing a loop colostomy. This is believed to prevent stomal retraction and provide better faecal diversion. However, the rod can cause complications such as mucosal congestion, oedema and necrosis. This single-centre prospective randomized controlled trial compared outcomes after creation of loop colostomy with and without a supporting stoma rod. The primary outcome studied was stoma retraction rate; other stoma-related complications were studied as secondary outcomes.

METHOD

One hundred and fifty-one patients were randomly allotted to one of two arms, colostomy with or without a supporting rod. Postoperative complications such as retraction, mucocutaneous separation, congestion and re-exploration for stoma-related complications were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the stoma retraction rate between the two arms (8.1% in the rod arm and 6.6% in the no-rod arm; P = 0.719). Stomal necrosis (10.7% vs 1.3%; P = 0.018), oedema (23% vs 3.9%; P = 0.001), congestion (20.3% vs 2.6%; P = 0.001) and re-admission rates (8.5% vs 0%; P = 0.027) were significantly increased in the arm randomized to the rod.

CONCLUSION

The stoma rod does not prevent stomal retraction. However, complication rates are significantly higher when a stoma rod is used. Routine use of a stoma rod for construction of loop colostomy can be avoided.

Outcomes of support rod usage in loop stoma formation

AIM

Traditionally, support rods have been used when creating loop stomas in the hope of preventing retraction. However, their effectiveness has not been clearly established. This study aimed to investigate the rate of stoma rod usage and its impact on stoma retraction and complication rates.

METHOD

A prospective cohort of 515 consecutive patients who underwent loop ileostomy/colostomy formation at a tertiary referral colorectal unit in Sydney, Australia were studied. Mortality and unplanned return to theatre rates were calculated. The primary outcome measure of interest was stoma retraction, occurring within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcome measures included early stoma complications. The 10-year temporal trends for rod usage, stoma retraction, and complications were examined.

RESULTS

Mortality occurred in 23 patients (4.1 %) and unplanned return to theatre in 4 patients (0.8 %). Stoma retraction occurred in four patients (0.78 %), all without rods. However, the rate of retraction was similar, irrespective of whether rods were used (P = 0.12). There was a significant decline in the use of rods during the study period (P < 0.001) but this was not associated with an increase in stoma retraction rates. Early complications occurred in 94/432 patients (21.8 %) and were more likely to occur in patients with rods (64/223 versus 30/209 without rods, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Stoma retraction is a rare complication and its incidence is not significantly affected by the use of support rods. Further, complications are common post-operatively, and the rate appears higher when rods are used. The routine use of rods warrants judicious application. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO THE LITERATURE?: It remains unclear whether support rods prevent stoma retraction. This study, the largest to date, confirms that stoma retraction is a rare complication and is not significantly affected by the use of rods. Consequently, routine rod usage cannot be recommended, particularly as it is associated with increased stoma complications.

Minimally invasive treatment of peristomal metastases from gastric cancer at an ileostomy site by electrochemotherapy

Background

Peristomal metastases are rare, but potentially associated with relevant morbidity. Surgical resection, followed by stoma relocation, represent the gold standard in most patients. We describe electrochemotherapy (ECT), a minimally invasive method for locally-enhancing drug delivery by means of electric pulses, as an alternative approach.

Patient and methods

A 49-year-old man with advanced gastric cancer developed skin metastases around an ileostomy site. The ulcerated and oozing tumor growth impaired patient’s quality of life due to continuous trouble in fitting the ostomy appliance, its poor adherence and consequent stools spillage. ECT consisted of a 20-minute course under mild general sedation. A bleomycin bolus of 15 000 IU/m² was followed by the percutaneous application of multiple, 1.5 ms -long electric pulses by means of a needle electrode.

Results

Post ECT course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the same day. After one week, tumor nodules were flattened and partial tumor regression was appreciable at one-month follow-up. More importantly, peristomal skin conditions significantly improved, thus allowing for an effective application of the ostomy appliance during the following moths, until patient’s death.

Conclusions

This report suggests the feasibility of ECT as a minimally invasive approach for peristomal tumors. In selected cases, ECT, by achieving a rapid tumor control, may ensure effective ostomy management and preserve patients’ quality of life.

Diverting loop ileostomy after restorative proctocolectomy: predictors of poor outcome and poor quality of life

AIM

Diverting loop ileostomy is used to minimize the impact of anastomotic complication after restorative proctocolectomy (RPC). However, the ileostomy itself may have complications and therefore affect quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to analyse the predictors of complications of the ileostomy formation and closure and of the QOL of these patients.

METHOD

Forty-four consecutive patients who underwent RPC were enrolled. Records of the ileostomy follow-up were retrieved from a prospectively collected database and QOL was assessed with the Stoma-QOL questionnaire. Ileostomy site coordinates were measured. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

RESULTS

In this series, three patients experienced peristomal herniae, two ileostomy stenosis, seven ileostomy retraction and fourteen peristomal dermatitis. Emergency surgery was the only predictor of parastomal hernia (P = 0.017). Stenosis correlated with the distance from the umbilicus (tau = 0.24, P = 0.021). Use of standard rod and retraction were independent predictors of peristomal dermatitis (P = 0.049 and P = 0.001). Stoma-QOL was directly correlated to the age of the patients and to the occurrence of parastomal hernia (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021, respectively). After stoma closure, two patients reported wound sepsis and seven suffered obstructive episodes.

CONCLUSION

The predictors of negative outcome after construction of a diverting loop ileostomy after RPC were urgent surgery, use of standard rod, the distance of the stoma site from the umbilicus, parastomal herniae and the older age of patients.

Intestinal surgery for Crohn's disease: predictors of recovery, quality of life, and costs

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the impact of different surgical techniques on patients undergoing intestinal surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) in terms of recovery, quality of life, and direct and indirect costs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-seven consecutive patients admitted for intestinal surgery for CD were enrolled in this prospective study. Surgical procedures were evaluated as possible predictors of outcome in terms of disability status (Barthel's Index), quality of life (Cleveland Global Quality of Life score), body image, disease activity (Harvey-Bradshaw Activity Index), and costs (calculated in 2008 Euros). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Significant predictors of a long postoperative hospital stay were the creation of a stoma, postoperative complications, disability status on the third post-operative day, and surgical access (R (2) = 0.59, p < 0.01). Barthel's index at discharge was independently predicted by laparoscopic-assisted approach, ileal CD, and colonic CD (R (2) = 0.53, p < 0.01). The disability status at admission showed to be an independent predictor of quality of life score at follow-up. The overall cost for intestinal surgery for CD was 12,037 (10,117-15,795) euro per patient and stoma creation revealed to be its only predictor (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy was associated with a shorter postoperative length of stay; stoma creation was associated with a long and expensive postoperative hospital stay, and stricturoplasty was associated with a slower recovery of bowel function.