OBJECTIVES

In surgery for lower rectal cancer, temporary ileostomy can be created to avoid complications, such as anastomotic leakage. However, various complications may occur with the stoma, including stoma outlet obstruction (SOO). The occurrence of SOO can prolong the length of hospital stay and delay the introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy, which can negatively affect the prognosis. We retrospectively reviewed cases of temporary ileostomy at our hospital and evaluated the risk factors for SOO.

METHODS

We extracted data pertaining to patients with temporary ileostomy created during surgery for rectal cancer from 2013 to 2023, and compared clinicopathologic factors or short-term outcomes, with or without SOO complications. We scored the independent factors obtained and created predictive scoring model for SOO.

RESULTS

Total of 107 patients were included. SOO was observed in 21 patients (19.6%), all of whom were male. SOO was most frequently diagnosed on sixth postoperative day. In most cases, feeding resumed 4 days after the diagnosis of SOO. Age (≥67 years; p = 0.002), rectus abdominis muscle thickness (≥13.5 mm; p < 0.001) and the amount of stoma output greater than 1,500 ml/day within 3 days of surgery (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for SOO. The preoperative and early postoperative predictive scoring model, created by adding one point to each risk factor, predicted SOO with sensitivity of 76.2%, specificity of 89.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, gender, rectus abdominis muscle thickness, and high early postoperative output are risk factors for SOO. A scoring model may be useful for predicting SOO.