Comparison of loop versus end ileostomy for fecal diversion after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis

Temporary loop end ileostomy reduces the risk of stoma outlet obstruction: a comparative clinical study in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

PURPOSE

Stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) is a serious complication of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). When the ileal mesentery to the pouch is under excessive tension, the ileum near the ileostomy twists easily, causing SOO. Loop-end ileostomy (EI) for fecal diversion was introduced in 2021 to prevent SOO, and we aimed to verify whether temporary EI reduces the incidence of SOO in RPC and IPAA patients relative to loop ileostomy (LI).

METHODS

This study included 106 consecutive RPC and IPAA patients with a diverting ileostomy and categorized them into LI (n = 75) or EI (n = 31) groups. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were similar between the groups, except for higher preoperative steroid use in the LI group (38.7%; p = 0.0116). There were no significant differences between the groups in anatomical factors, such as abdominal wall thickness and the height-adjusted distance between the root of the superior mesenteric artery and the bottom of the external anal sphincter. There were no significant differences in surgery-related factors, with ≥ 90% of the patients in each group undergoing laparoscopic procedures. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that EI significantly reduced the risk of SOO relative to LI (OR, 0.18; 95% CI 0.03-0.92; p = 0.0399).

CONCLUSION

EI reduced SOO levels after RPC and IPAA and may be beneficial for cases in which anastomosis is challenging.

Morbidity of loop ileostomy closure after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Temporary loop ileostomy is a routine procedure to reduce the morbidity of restorative proctocolectomy. However, morbidity of ileostomy closure could reduce the benefit of this concept. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the risks of ileostomy closure after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Publications in English or German language reporting morbidity of ileostomy closure after restorative proctocolectomy were identified by Medline search. Two hundred thirty-two publications were screened, 143 were assessed in full-text, and finally 26 studies (reporting 2146 ileostomy closures) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Weighted means for overall morbidity and mortality of ileostomy closure, rate of redo operations, anastomotic dehiscence, bowel obstruction, wound infection, and late complications were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall morbidity of ileostomy closure was 16.5 %, there was no mortality. Redo operations for complications were necessary in 3.0 %. Anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 2.0 %. Postoperative bowel obstruction developed in 7.6 %, with 2.9 % of patients requiring laparotomy for this complication. Wound infection rate was 4.0 %. Hernia or bowel obstruction as late complications developed in 1.9 and 9.4 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The considerable morbidity of ileostomy reversal reduces the overall benefit of temporary fecal diversion. However, ileostomy creation is still recommended, as it effectively reduces the risk of pouch-related septic complications.

Systematic review of educational interventions for ostomates

BACKGROUND

Stoma-related complications lead to increased hospital length of stay and readmissions. Although education of new ostomates is widely recommended, there is a lack of data regarding effective evidence-based educational interventions to prevent or decrease these complications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature for educational interventions for new ostomates designed to decrease stoma-related complications.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was searched for studies on educational interventions for new ostomates.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they were in English, targeted adult stoma patients, and evaluated an educational intervention at the time of stoma creation.

INTERVENTION

Educational interventions were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcomes of interest were length of stay, complications, and readmissions.

RESULTS

We found 1706 articles of which 7 met the inclusion criteria. Two were randomized controlled trials, and the rest were cohort studies. The overall quality of the studies was low. Each study used a unique intervention. However, all incorporated a specialized colorectal or ostomy nurse. Of the 5 studies that evaluated length of stay, 2 found a reduction in length of stay associated with the intervention, but 3 found no difference. Two studies found a reduction in complications, but 2 found no difference. Of the 3 studies that evaluated readmissions, none found a difference in the intervention group compared with the control group.

LIMITATIONS

This study is limited by the search of a single database and the inclusion of only English language studies.

CONCLUSION

Education is a key component of patient care; however, evidence to support an improvement in clinical outcomes is lacking. Further study is needed by the use of rigorous designs to craft a feasible educational intervention that will lead to improved patient care and outcomes.

Impact of ileostomy-related complications on the multidisciplinary treatment of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Radical resection is the primary treatment for rectal cancer. When anastomosis is possible, a temporary ileostomy is used to decrease morbidity from a poorly healed anastomosis. However, ileostomies are associated with complications, dehydration, and need for a second operation. We sought to evaluate the impact of ileostomy-related complications on the treatment of rectal cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery between January 2005 and December 2010 at a tertiary cancer center. The primary outcome was the overall rate of ileostomy-related complications. Secondary outcomes included complications related to ileostomy status, ileostomy closure, anastomotic complications at primary resection, rate of stoma closure, and completion of adjuvant chemotherapy assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 294 patients analyzed, 32% (n = 95) were women. Two hundred seventy-one (92%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The median tumor distance from the anal verge was 7 cm (interquartile range 5-10 cm). Two hundred eighty-one (96%) underwent stoma closure at a median of 7 months (interquartile range 5.4-8.3 months). The most common complication related to readmission was dehydration (n = 32-11%). Readmission within 60 days of primary resection was associated with delay in initiating adjuvant chemotherapy (odds ratio 3.01, 95% confidence interval 1.42-6.38, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Diverting ileostomies created during surgical treatment of rectal cancers are associated with morbidity; however, this is balanced against the risk of anastomosis-related morbidity at rectal resection. Given the potential benefit of fecal diversion, patient-oriented interventions to improve ostomy management, particularly during adjuvant chemotherapy, can be expected to yield marked benefits.

The influence of nutritional assessment on the outcome of ostomy takedown

Purpose

Ostomy takedown is often considered a simple procedure without intention; however, it is associated with significant morbidity. This study is designed to evaluate factors predicting postoperative complications in the ostomy takedown in view of metabolism and nutrition.

Methods

A retrospective, institutional review-board-approved study was performed to identify all patients undergoing takedown of an ostomy from 2004 to 2010.

Results

Of all patients (150), 48 patients (32%; male, 31; female, 17) had complications. Takedown of an end-type ostomy showed a high complication rate; complications occurred in 55.9% of end-type ostomies and 15.7% of loop ostomies (P < 0.001). Severe adhesion was also related to a high rate of overall complication (41.3%) (P = 0.024). In preoperative work-up, ostomy type was not significantly associated with malnutrition status. However, postoperatively severe malnutrition level (albumin <2.8 mg/dL) was statistically significant in increasing the risk of complications (72.7%, P = 0.015). In particular, a significant postoperative decrease in albumin (>1.3 mg/dL) was associated with postoperative complications, particularly surgical site infection (SSI). Marked weight loss such as body mass index downgrading may be associated with the development of complications.

Conclusion

A temporary ostomy may not essentially result in severe malnutrition. However, a postoperative significant decrease in the albumin concentration is an independent risk factor for the development of SSI and complications.

Update of complications and functional outcome of the ileo-pouch anal anastomosis: overview of evidence and meta-analysis of 96 observational studies

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive update of the outcome of the ileo-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA).

DATA SOURCES

An extensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library was conducted.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All studies published after 2000 reporting on complications or functional outcome after a primary open IPAA procedure for UC or FAP were selected. Study characteristics, functional outcome, and complications were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A review with similar methodology conducted 10 years earlier was used to evaluate developments in outcome over time. Pooled estimates were compared using a random-effects logistic meta-analyzing technique. Analyses focusing on the effect of time of study conductance, centralization, and variation in surgical techniques were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies including 14,966 patients were included. Pooled rates of pouch failure and pelvic sepsis were 4.3% (95% CI, 3.5-6.3) and 7.5% (95% CI 6.1-9.1), respectively. Compared to studies published before 2000, a reduction of 2.5% was observed in the pouch failure rate (p = 0.0038). Analysis on the effect of the time of study conductance confirmed a decline in pouch failure. Functional outcome remained stable over time, with a 24-h defecation frequency of 5.9 (95% CI, 5.0-6.9). Technical surgery aspects did not have an important effect on outcome.

CONCLUSION

This review provides up to date outcome estimates of the IPAA procedure that can be useful as reference values for practice and research. It is also shows a reduction in pouch failure over time.

The morbidity surrounding reversal of defunctioning ileostomies: a systematic review of 48 studies including 6,107 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Loop ileostomies are used currently in surgical practice to reduce the consequences of distal anastomotic failure following colorectal resection. It is often assumed that reversal of a loop ileostomy is a simple and safe procedure. However, many studies have demonstrated high morbidity rates following loop ileostomy closure. The aims of this systematic review were to examine all the existing evidence in the literature on morbidity and mortality following closure of loop ileostomy.

METHOD

A literature search of Ovid, Embase, the Cochrane database, Google Scholar and Medline using Pubmed as the search engine was used to identify studies reporting on the morbidity of loop ileostomy closure (latest at June 15th 2008), was performed. Outcomes of interest included demographics, the details regarding the original indication for operation, operative and hospital-related outcomes, post-operative bowel-related complications, and other surgical and medical complications.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies from 18 countries satisfied the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of a total of 6,107 patients were analysed. Overall morbidity following closure of loop ileostomy was found to be 17.3% with a mortality rate of 0.4%. 3.7% of patients required a laparotomy at the time of ileostomy closure. The most common post-operative complications included small bowel obstruction (7.2%) and wound sepsis (5.0%).

CONCLUSION

The consequences of anastomotic leakage following colorectal resection are severe. However, the consequences of stoma reversal are often underestimated. Surgeons should adopt a selective strategy regarding the use of defunctioning ileostomy, and counsel patients further prior to the original surgery. In this way, patients at low risk may be spared the morbidity of stoma reversal.

Factors related to anastomotic dehiscence and mortality after terminal stomal closure in the management of patients with severe secondary peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

Management of severe secondary peritonitis (SSP) may require intestinal resections and bowel exteriorization due to an unacceptable high risk for anastomotic dehiscence (AD). Bowel exteriorization can be achieved through loop or terminal stomas. There are no studies addressing the fate of these latter. Our aim was to determine factors associated with AD and mortality in patients submitted to restoration of intestinal continuity after creation of terminal stomas as part of their operative management for SSP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed prospectively collected databases on all consecutive patients with SSP submitted to restoration of intestinal continuity after having had terminal ileostomies (TI) or terminal colostomies (TC) as part of their operative management during a 30-month period. Several patient and disease and operative variables were evaluated as factors related to AD and mortality in this group of patients. Univariate statistical comparisons were made using Student's t test for continuous variables and chi-square test when categorical variables were compared. Multivariate analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 72 male patients and 36 female patients were included in the study; 54 had TI and 54 had TC. Median number of operations performed as part of their management for SSP (prior to stomal closure) was 2 (range, 1-15). A total of 76 (70%) had had diffuse peritonitis, and 39 (36%) required management with an open abdomen (26 of them with a skin-only closure technique). Median time interval between stomal creation and closure was 190 days (range, 14-2,192). Stapled and hand-sewn anastomoses were done in 24 and 84 patients, respectively. AD occurred in 11 patients (10%). Univariate analyses disclosed age > or = 50 years (p < 0.05), high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (> or = 3; p < 0.01), history of chronic renal failure (p < 0.04), history of diffuse peritonitis (p < 0.05), management with an open abdomen (p < 0.05), and lower preoperative hemoglobin values (p < 0.05) as risk factors for AD. Only age > or = 50 years prevailed after multivariate analyses. A total of seven patients died (6%). Factors associated with mortality were age > or = 65 years (p < 0.02), high ASA score (> or = 3; p < 0.01), preoperative use of total parenteral nutrition (p < 0.02), lower preoperative hemoglobin values (p < 0.05), time interval between stomal creation and closure < 3 months (p < 0.01), AD (p < 0.02), and need for reoperation after stomal closure (p < 0.02). After multivariate analyses, time interval between stomal creation and closure < 3 months and need for reoperation were the only ones that prevailed as independent risk factors for mortality (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although several variables were related to AD and mortality, waiting at least >3 months before attempting restoration of intestinal continuity seems to be the best approach and a practical recommendation in this group of challenging patients.

Surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

To evaluate the outcome and morbidity after major surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Retrospective case note analysis of 227 children referred to a tertiary referral centre between 1994 and 2002 for treatment of IBD.

RESULTS

26 of 125 children with Crohn's disease (21%) required surgical management. 13 with disease proximal to the left colon underwent limited segmental resections and primary anastomosis, without significant morbidity. Primary surgery for 13 children with disease distal to the transverse colon included 6 subtotal-colectomies or panprocto-colectomies. All seven children undergoing conservative segmental resections (three with primary anastomosis, four with stoma formation), required further colonic resection or defunctioning stoma formation. All three children undergoing primary anastomosis developed a leak or fistula formation. 22 of 102 children with ulcerative colitis (22%) required surgery. Definitive procedures (n = 17) included J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis (n = 11), ileorectal anastomosis (n = 2), straight ileoanal anastomosis (n = 3), and proctectomy/ileostomy (n = 1). Five children await restorative surgery after subtotal colectomy. Median daily stool frequency after J-pouch surgery was 5 (range 3-15), and 10 of 11 children reported full daytime continence. All three children with straight ileoanal anastomosis had unacceptable stool frequency and remain diverted.

CONCLUSION

The complication rate after resectional surgery for IBD was 57% for Crohn's disease, and 31% for ulcerative colitis. In children with Crohn's disease, limited resection with primary anastomosis is safe proximal to the left colon. Where surgery is indicated for disease distal to the transverse colon, subtotal or panproctocolectomy is indicated, and an anastomosis should be avoided. Children with ulcerative colitis had a good functional outcome after J-pouch reconstruction. However, the overall failure rate of attempted reconstructive surgery was 24%, largely owing to the poor results of straight ileoanal anastomosis.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this prospective study was to validate a variant in the loop ileostomy construction to reduce peristomal pressure ulcers and, subsequently, the need of stoma therapist assistance and the frequency of changing the stoma appliance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have enrolled 33 consecutive patients who underwent two stage restorative proctocolectomies. The first consecutive 13 patients operated on had their ileostomies constructed with a standard rod. In the following 20 patients, we placed a 5.3-mm suction catheter tube closed with a stitch to form a "ring" and without any stitches fixing it to the skin.

RESULTS

In the "ring" rod group 40% of patients did not report any complication compared to the 8% of patients in the standard rod group (p = 0.046). Pressure ulcers were absent in this group, while it affected 61% of the patients in the standard rod group (p < 0.001). Patients in the "ring" rod group needed significantly less assistance time by the stoma therapist (p < 0.01) and required significantly fewer stoma appliance changes (p < 0.01). In our institution, the overall cost for the complete management of a standard rod ileostomy was 73.16 (29.83-130.49) euro compared to 46.65 (23.15-93.48) euro for a "ring" rod ileostomy (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of a "ring" rod configuration led to an elimination of pressure ulcers due to the rigid rod, a shorter time requirement for stoma care and a decreased number of appliances required and was subsequently associated with lower costs of assistance. A tighter fitting around the ileostomy that avoided stool infiltration improved the practical management of the stoma with a "ring" rod.

Colon and rectal injuries

PURPOSE

This study was designed to develop treatment algorithms for colon, rectal, and anal injuries based on the review of relevant literature.

METHODS

Information was obtained through a MEDLINE ( www.nobi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi ) search, and additional references were obtained through cross-referencing key articles cited in these papers.

RESULTS

A total of 203 articles were considered relevant.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of penetrating and blunt colon, rectal, and anal injuries has evolved during the past 150 years. Since the World War II mandate to divert penetrating colon injuries, primary repair or resection and anastomosis have found an increasing role in patients with nondestructive injuries. A critical review of recent literature better defines the role of primary repair and fecal diversion for these injuries and allows for better algorithms for the management of these injuries.

Use of laparoscopic-assisted jejunostomy for fecal diversion in the management of a rectocutaneous fistula in a dog

A 2-year-old female Siberian Husky was referred for evaluation of a rectocutaneous fistula of unknown etiology. On evaluation, a rectal tear and an associated perivulvar abscess and draining tract were identified. Several attempts were made to repair the rectocutaneous fistula and associated rectal tear. Primary repair and fascia lata graft repair failed. Successful management was achieved via a laparoscopic-assisted end-on jejunostomy for fecal diversion, and the wound healed readily by second intention. During the period of hospitalization, the dog lost a considerable amount of weight. Particular care should be taken regarding fluid therapy, administration of antimicrobials, and adequate nutrition in patients with rectocutaneous fistulas. Overall, the use of laparoscopic-assisted end-on jejunostomy for fecal diversion in the management of rectocutaneous fistulas in dogs appears to be feasible; end-on or loop jejunostomy may also be an option for the treatment of other diseases of the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Management of Ovarian Cysts in Women Undergoing Restorative Proctocolectomy for Ulcerative Colitis

More than half of all patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy (RP) for ulcerative colitis (UC) are women, yet there is a paucity of information regarding the frequency, management, and outcome of ovarian cysts. A single surgeon's (E.W.F.) experience with female patients (N = 165) who underwent RP for UC at an academic medical center was retrospectively evaluated for postoperative complications and overall outcome. Patients with large ovarian cysts (LOCs), defined as being greater than 5 cm in diameter, were further segregated for subanalysis. All results were analyzed using the Student's t test and Fisher's exact test. Patients were 29.3 ± 13 years (mean) at the time of RP; 34 patients were less than 16 years old (21%), 113 patients (68%) were between the ages of 17 and 46 years, and 18 patients were over 46 years old (11%). All patients underwent total colectomy, mucosal proctectomy ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and temporary end ileostomy. The ileostomy was closed 3 months later. Fifty-five of the 165 patients had ovarian cysts (33%) identified at operation, 46 had unilateral cysts, and nine had bilateral cysts. Mean ovarian cyst size was 4.6 ± 2.7 cm (range <1–13 cm); 14 were LOCs. Patients with cysts <3 cm in diameter at operation were treated by observation with hormonal manipulation. Seventeen patients with cysts 3 to 5 cm in diameter required partial resection of one or both ovaries. Six of 14 patients with LOC underwent unilateral oophorectomy (cyst size range 10–13 cm). Twelve patients presented within 3 years after RP with malfunction of the pouch because of adhesions or minimal and uncontrolled passage of fecal material (soiling), partial obstruction due to LOC compression of the ileoanal pouch (n = 6), or adhesions. When evaluated on the basis of ovarian cyst size those without cysts and those with small cysts were significantly more likely to have children than those with LOC: 54 of 110 patients without cysts (49%), 18 of the 41 with cysts less than 5 cm in diameter (44%), and two of the 14 patients with LOC (14%) have had children ( P = 0.047). Ovarian cysts are common in women undergoing RP for UC. Ovarian cysts often complicate postoperative intestinal function and are best treated by cyst resection or oophorectomy at the time of RP or ileostomy closure. Cysts under 3 cm in diameter may often be managed conservatively with few complications. Women with LOC after RP for UC have decreased fertility compared with those without cysts.