Anticipation of umbistoma in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection: Ileostomy and ostomy closure

Quality of life amongst patients with diverting umbilical stomas in rectal surgery: a single centre prospective randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

The umbilical stoma (umbistoma) has been proposed as a viable alternative site for a temporary defunctioning stoma. Suggested advantages of the umbistoma include decreased number of surgical incisions required, improved cosmesis and ease of reversal surgery. This study aimed to assess the patient experience of umbilical loop ileostomies in rectal surgery, with the primary outcome being patient reported quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A total of 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery were randomly allocated to have a defunctioning ileostomy at a conventional site (right iliac fossa) or at the umbilicus. Patient-reported QoL was assessed at 6 weeks using the Stoma-QoL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were number of stomas reversed, length of time awaiting stoma reversal surgery, duration of operative time for stoma reversal, length of hospital stay following stoma reversal and rate of parastomal or post reversal incisional hernias.

RESULTS

Patients who had an umbilical stoma scored significantly lower on the Stoma-QoL questionnaire compared to the conventional group, particularly on questions regarding feelings of tiredness, body insecurity and anxiety. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in relation to secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There may be potential disadvantages to the umbilical stoma with negative impacts on body image and subsequent increased social anxiety. Patient selection and adequate counselling will be important when considering an umbilical stoma. Further larger scale prospective studies are required to further validate the feasibility and longer-term safety of umbilical stomas in both clinical outcomes as well as patient QoL.

Single Center Experience with Umbilical Stomas Following Colorectal Surgery

Background: The umbilicus is commonly used as an access site to perform minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Umbilical stomas are becoming an attractive option as an alternative site for temporary stomas since they reduce the need for additional abdominal incisions. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent umbilical stoma creation after colorectal resection for diagnosis of rectal cancer, diverticulitis, or ulcerative colitis between January 2020 and July 2021. Surgical technique, clinical and perioperative outcomes, complications, and cosmetic end results were described. Results: A total of 11 patients underwent umbilical stoma creation. There were no major surgical complications. Peristomal skin irritation was secondary to difficulties with the management of the pouching system. One patient presented with ostomy prolapse. Three patients experienced incisional hernia after stoma reversal. There were no wound infections. Conclusion: Umbilical stomas appear to be a safe alternative to conventional stomas and provide superior cosmetic outcomes.