The effect of isotonic drinks on electrolyte abnormalities of ileostomy patients: Preliminary results

Abstract

Introduction: Ileostomy formation can reduce complications related to an anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery but due to colonic exclusion ileostomy patients lose large amounts of sodium and fluid through their stoma effluent. Fluid and electrolyte abnormalities appear to be a common problem in this group of patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of an oral rehydration solution (isotonic drink) on electrolyte profile of patients with a temporary ileostomy. Materials and methods: Patients meeting inclusion criteria were both male and female patients who had undergone a rectosigmoidectomy procedure resulting or not in an ileostomy formation. A total of 48 rectosigmoidectomy patients were recruited for this prospective randomized controlled study, 31 of which had an ileostomy being constructed. The arms of the study were divided as follows: 1st arm included group A (ileostomy patients who received an intervention solution) and group B (ileostomy patients who did not receive a rehydration solution). The 2nd arm of the study comprised of patients who had undergone colorectal resection surgery without an ileostomy creation and were used as a control group. Serum electrolyte levels as well as renal function markers were assessed preoperatively and at 20 and 40 days postoperatively. Results: According to the statistical analysis mean blood sodium, urea and creatinine levels were significantly different between groups A and B (p= .046, p= .021 and p= .018 respectively). Moreover statistically significant differences were also noted between group B (no intervention solution) and the control group (p< .05). Conclusion: Administration of an isotonic oral rehydration solution seems to improve biochemical markers indicative of dehydration and renal impairment in this category of patients. The study will continue to recruit participants in order improve sample size and reach more valid and concise conclusions.