Stoma Function Research Articles

FP1.10 - Functional Outcomes of a Standard vs Modified Brooke Ileostomy – A Quality of Life Study

Abstract Aim Previous studies have shown that IBD patients with a modified Brooke ileostomy, where there is retention of the ileocolic sphincter, may have improved stoma function by preserving a functional high pressure zone. This study aims to review functional outcomes through a patient-reported quality of life survey. Methods This cohort study was conducted across two sites, one performing Standard Brooke Ileostomy (SBI), and the other Modified Brooke Ileostomy (MBI), as standard practice. Patients with diagnosis of colitis were identified from a prospectively collected database. A stoma activity log and a validated stoma Quality of Life survey (PRATO) was sent, with 23 responses obtained (14 MBI, 9 SBI). Activity log included bag emptying, hours of interrupted sleep, and number of visits to stoma nurse. Results For QoL survey (minimum score 20, max 80), patients with MBI scored higher (mean 55.36), compared to SBI (mean 48.22), (p=0.037). Bag emptying over 24 hours was similar (MBI mean 5.71, SBI mean 5.86), as was bag emptying overnight (MBI mean 1 (range 0-3), SBO mean 1 (range 1-2). MBI patients reported longer mean uninterrupted sleep (7.07 hours vs 5.43 hours (p=0.005)). MBI patients required fewer stoma nurse visits in the first year (mean 5.3, median 5, range 0-13). SBI (mean 10.7, median 10, range 2-33). Conclusion A practice of Modified Brooke Ileostomy has comparable patient reported quality of life outcomes to a standard Brooke Ileostomy and performs better overall in terms of less interruption to sleep and lower disruption of daily life through hospital visits.

Quality of life in permanent ostomates - what really matters to them?

The impact of a permanent stoma, such as post-abdominoperineal resection (APR), on quality of life (QoL) is well-documented. While stoma-related QoL tools exist, their relationship with stoma satisfaction is unclear. This study aimed to identify which aspects of QoL were most associated with stoma satisfaction. A cross-sectional study of consecutive patients who had an APR for rectal cancer at an Australian tertiary hospital (2012-2021), identified from a prospectively maintained database, was conducted. The Stoma-QoL questionnaire was used. Overall patient satisfaction with stoma function, and whether healthcare advice was sought for stoma dysfunction, were explored. Linear regression assessed the association between individual issues examined in the Stoma-QoL questionnaire and overall patient satisfaction with stoma function. Overall, 64 patients (62.5% male, mean 68.1 years) participated. Stoma-QoL score was associated with stoma satisfaction (P < 0.05). QoL items impacting satisfaction were: needing to know nearest toilet location (P = 0.04), pouch smell concerns (P = 0.008), needing daytime rest (P = 0.02), clothing limitations (P = 0.02), sexual attractiveness concerns (P < 0.05), embarrassment (P < 0.05), difficulty hiding the pouch (P = 0.02), concerns about being burdensome (P = 0.04) and difficulty with interpersonal interaction (P = 0.03). Only 11 (17.2%) patients sought healthcare advice for stoma dysfunction. While stoma-specific QoL is associated with stoma satisfaction, individual QoL aspects impact differently on satisfaction in permanent colostomy patients. These findings may help identify focus areas for peri-operative counselling for clinicians and stomal therapists, highlight the importance of tailored multidisciplinary care in ostomates and suggests that a stoma type-specific Stoma-QoL questionnaire is required.

Lived Experience of Parastomal Bulging: A Mixed Methods Study.

This United Kingdom study aimed to explore people's experiences of living with, and self-managing parastomal bulging. Seventeen people were interviewed and 61 people completed an online survey. Parastomal bulging has a detrimental impact on quality of life including a negative impact on stoma function, daily activities, body image, physical intimacy, and socialising; access to specialist information and support for addressing the problem of bulging was inequitable; support garments were the most common self-management intervention; there was confusion about what exercise would be beneficial or how being active would help in terms of parastomal bulging self-management; peer support is no substitute for high quality specialist support. People need equitable access to information and support to self-manage and treat parastomal bulging. Research about other types of self-management interventions, for example, exercise is required so that people do not have to rely solely on support garments to self-manage parastomal bulging.

Ostomy Belt Use Improves Quality of Life in Patients with a Stoma

Ostomy formation is a vital component in the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. It usually involves externalizing a part of the colon or small bowel to the skin surface. Thus, the creation of an ostomy can often have a major negative impact on quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of an ostomy belt could improve quality of life measures in stoma patients through a prospective interventional open-label study of 17–80-year-old English- and Spanish-speaking patients with stomas who were using an ostomy belt for 8 weeks. Changes in quality of life were assessed using the Stoma Quality of Life Scale questionnaire at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks post ostomy belt use. A total of 45 patients enrolled (20 female, mean age 48) in the study. The ostomy belt significantly improved quality of life scores from baseline to 4 weeks regarding overall life satisfaction (F(2, 76) = 14.77, p &lt; 0.001) and in the domains of work/social function (F(2, 72) = 30.32, p &lt; 0.001), sexuality/body image (F(2, 68) = 3.34, p = 0.04), and stoma function (F(2, 72) = 8.72, p &lt; 0.001). These improvements were sustained at the 8-week follow-up. No significant differences were observed in the domains of financial impact and skin irritation. This study represents the first prospective interventional study that provides evidence for the simple low-cost intervention of ostomy support belt use in improving quality of life in patients with a stoma.

Stoma Complications.

Stoma-related complications are among the most common sources of perioperative morbidity in colorectal surgery. Complications can occur intraoperatively, in the immediate postoperative period, or even months to years after stoma creation. Although some will require urgent surgical intervention, most are treated nonoperatively with a combination of education, appliance adjustment, and behavioral intervention. Optimal management of stoma complications nearly always requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including surgeons, enterostomal therapists, and other allied health professionals, depending on the specific situation. Patients with a functional stoma should be expected to be able to do anything that patients without a stoma can do with minimal exceptions. The treatment of stoma complications therefore centers on improving stoma function and maximizing quality of life. Although timely and comprehensive intervention will result in the resolution of most stoma complications, there is no substitute for preoperative planning and meticulous stoma creation.

Effects of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the impact of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy. Specifically, the study aims to compare the outcomes of an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention with those of a control group. MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was employed, including an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention and a control group receiving standard care. The study participants were patients with permanent colostomy. Various variables were assessed, including odor scale, work and social functioning, sexuality and body image, stoma function, financial concerns, acceptance, anxiety/preoccupation, social engagement and anger. ResultsThe post-scores assessment showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group exhibited significantly more positive outcomes concerning the reduction of odor (p<0.001), performance in the workplace (p<0.001), body image connected to sexuality (p<0.001), stoma functionality (p<0.001), financial worries (p=0.005), acceptance levels (p<0.001), anxiety levels (p<0.001), social involvement (p<0.001), and irritability (p<0.001). Effect sizes were substantial (=0.88-0.98 in all variables but one), indicating significant differences in average scores before and after the intervention. ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest that lavender oil intervention effectively improved odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy.

Risk Factors for Stomatal Complications: A Literature Review

This literature review article comprehensivelya addresses the risk factors that contribute to stomatal complications, a major concern in current medical practice. The creation of stomata, surgical interventions to bypass intestinal or urinary contents, is valuable but can be accompanied by problems that affect the quality of life of patients. Definition and Types of Complications: Complications in stomata range from necrosis of stomal tissue to prolapse and irritation of the surrounding skin. These complications can affect both stoma function and skin integrity, and understanding them is essential for informed clinical practice. Risk Factors for Complications: The discussion focuses on risk factors that predispose to stomatal complications. Older age, obesity, and medical comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, increase the likelihood of complications. The choice of surgical technique and the site of creation of the stoma also influence the occurrence of problems. Preoperative Education and Preparation: Patient education and preoperative preparation are crucial elements in preventing complications. Patients should receive detailed information about stoma self-care and possible signs of complications. Proper preoperative preparation, which addresses pre-existing medical conditions, can mitigate risk factors. Discussion: The discussion highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation and adaptation of surgical and postoperative planning according to individual risk factors. Emphasis is placed on the need for proper surgical technique and on the experience of the surgeon in creating stomata. Conclusion: In conclusion, the creation of stomata is a valuable technique but not without challenges. Early identification and management of risk factors are critical to reducing the incidence and severity of complications. Patient education, careful planning, and preoperative preparation are essential to achieving optimal long-term results in stomatal management.

Parastomal hernia repair: a five-year experience from a single centre in the UK.

Parastomal hernias can affect significantly quality of life in patients who often had underwent major operations. The incidence and recurrence is still high although many techniques have been introduced to improve outcomes. Hence, there is still no agreement on what procedure has better results when it comes to repairing a parostomal hernia. Our aim is to compare outcomes of laparoscopic and open parastomal hernia repair in terms of recurrence, reoperations, post-operative complications and length of stay. Sixty-three parastomal hernia repairs were performed in a single Colorectal Centre over a period of 4years. Eighteen procedures were performed laparoscopically and 45 open. All the 7 emergency procedures were approached open. Both the techniques showed to be safe with post-operative major complication rate (Clavien-Dindo III or above) of 9.52%. The laparoscopic group was found to have a shorter length of stay (p = 0.04) and earlier start of stoma function (p = 0.01), more uneventful recoveries (0.02) and less minor post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo I or II-p = 0.01,) but similar recurrence rate (p = 0.41). In the open group, the placement of a mesh showed to reduce the rate of recurrence (p = 0.0001). However, this was not found in the laparoscopic approach. In conclusion, the laparoscopic approach showed do give less post-operative complications and a shorter length of stay, with no benefit in the recurrence rate. Considering the open technique, the use of a mesh seemed to reduce the rate of recurrence.

Predicting life with a permanent end colostomy: A prospective study on function, bother and acceptance

The factors that influence a patient's experience of a colostomy are not known. The aim of this study was to characterise stoma function, stoma-related bother and acceptance among patients operated for rectal cancer and to investigate if there were any preoperative personal factors with predictive impact on long-term stoma-related bother. The QoLiRECT (Quality of Life in RECTal cancer) study is a prospective multicentre study of patients with rectal cancer. This was a subgroup analysis of patients with a permanent colostomy with a 2-year follow-up. Penalised regression models with shrinkage estimation were used to predict the 1-and 2-year bother using baseline data. The predictive value and the importance of the included variables were evaluated using bootstrap resampling techniques. A total of 379 patients were included. Overall stoma acceptance was high and a majority of patients were not bothered by their stoma; 77% and 83% at 1 and 2years, respectively. The subgroup of patients with stoma-related bother had a high prevalence of difficulties, especially fear of leakage, and a low stoma acceptance in daily life. Both clinical and personal factors were associated with stoma-related bother. The most important factors were quality of life and physical health, but the prediction accuracy was low. Stoma-related bother was associated with overall stoma dysfunction. As stoma-related bother is a multifactorial problem, it was not possible to predict which patients will experience stoma-related bother. It is therefore of importance to prevent stoma-related symptoms and optimise stoma function to reduce long-term bother and increase stoma acceptance.

Early radical cystectomy with negative margins in a 57-year-old female with myxoid/round cell liposarcoma of the bladder suggests prolonged overall survival

BackgroundBladder cancer is the 17th most common cancer in the female population. Most bladder cancers are of urothelial origin. Sarcomas of the bladder are very uncommon.Case presentationThis case concerns a 57-year-old female from a rural town in the Eastern Cape who was diagnosed with myxoid/round cell liposarcoma of the bladder. After the initial transurethral resection of the bladder tumour, she underwent an anterior exenteration with Bricker’s diversion (ileal conduit) and negative margins were achieved.ConclusionsSarcomas of the bladder are known to have a poor prognosis. Our patient is alive with good stoma function more than 24 months since her radical surgery. We are of the opinion that her favourable overall survival is attributable to early radical surgical intervention with negative margins.

Stoma-related complications: a report from the Stoma-Const randomized controlled trial.

The impact of construction techniques on the development of stoma complications is partly undiscovered. The aim of this paper was to report and analyse the impact of the three surgical techniques in a randomized controlled trial Stoma-Const on stoma-related complications as well as identifying risk factors and patient-reported stoma function as a planned secondary analysis. This was a randomized, multicenter trial where all patients scheduled to receive an end colostomy were invited to participate. Patients were randomized to one of three techniques for stoma construction; cruciate fascial incision, circular incision or prophylactic mesh. Stoma complications were assessed by a surgeon and stoma care nurses within 1 year postoperatively. Two hundred and nine patients were randomized. Patient demographics were similar in all three groups. Data on stoma-related complications were available for analysis in 201 patients. A total of 127 patients (63%) developed some type of stoma complication within 1 year after surgery. The risk ratio (95% CI) for stoma complications was 0.93 (0.73; 1.2) between cruciate vs. circular incision groups and 1.02 (0.78; 1.34) between cruciate vs. mesh groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding parastomal hernia rate and no risk factors could be identified. This randomized trial confirmed a high prevalence of stoma-related complications but could not identify an impact of surgical technique or identify modifiable risk factors for stoma-related complications.

Electro-thermal bipolar vessel sealing versus clipping of the inferior mesenteric vessels during minimally invasive proctectomy.

The introduction of new energy vessel sealing devices in minimally invasive proctectomy led to better hemostatic effect, less blood loss, and shorter operating time. At present, the available evidence from literature about the use of electro-thermal bipolar vessel sealers (EBVS) in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery is weak where most studies are retrospective with non-homogenous patient groups. This is a retrospective cohort study where 40 rectal cancer patients operated by laparoscopic TME or laparoscopic assisted transanal total mesorectal excision were classified in two groups according to approach of inferior mesenteric vessels ligation (EBVS versus Clipping). The operative time was significantly longer and the blood loss was significantly more in the EBVS group. However, hospital stay, time to oral, time to starting stoma function, and number of retrieved lymph nodes were not significantly affected by the method of vascular control. Both methods for control of vascular pedicle during minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery are safe, as such it is at the discretion of the operating surgeon to which method to use. Prospective well-designed trials are awaited to provide stronger evidence.

Quality of life in patients with resectable rectal cancer during the first 24months following diagnosis.

AimAn increasing number of patients survive rectal cancer, resulting in more patients living with the side‐effects of the treatment. Exploring quality of life before and after treatment enables follow‐up and additional treatment to be adjusted to the patient's needs. The aim of the study was to describe the quality of life during the 24 months following diagnosis and to identify risk factors for poor quality of life.MethodThis is a prospective cohort study of patients with rectal cancer followed up by extensive questionnaires. Patients from 16 surgical departments in Denmark and Sweden from 2012 to 2015 were included. The self‐assessed quality of life was measured with a seven‐point Likert scale.ResultsA total of 1110 patients treated with curative intent were included, and the response rate at the 24‐month follow‐up was 71%. Patients with rectal cancer assessed their quality of life before start of treatment as poorer than that of a reference population. At the 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up, the quality of life on group level had recovered to the same level as for the reference population. Risk factors for poor quality of life included bother with urinary, bowel and stoma function. A reference population was used for comparison.ConclusionThe quality of life of patients with resectable rectal cancer recovered to levels comparable to a reference population 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. Our results indicate that the urinary, bowel and stoma function has an impact on quality of life.

Recovery after laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair.

The perioperative care and postoperative period after laparoscopic hernia repair have not been well described. The aim of this study was to describe the postoperative course after laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair. This was a prospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair. The outcomes of interest were patient-reported pain, nausea and fatigue, time to stoma function, length of stay (LOS), use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and epidural analgesia, the cumulative dose of morphine equivalent analgesics during the first 5 postoperative days, and postoperative complications. Forty patients were included, 20% had ileostomy and 80% colostomy. The mesh was placed according to Sugarbaker (87.5%) and keyhole (12.5%) technique. Twenty-two patients (55%) required peripheral nervous blockades postoperatively. The median number of days to stoma function was 3days (range 2-3.8). The mean cumulative dose of morphine equivalent analgesics was 21.9mg on the day of surgery, 27.8mg on the first postoperative day (POD1), 23.9 on POD2, 17.3mg on POD3, 15.3mg on POD4, 8.9mg on POD5, and 115.2mg in total. The median LOS was 4days (range 3-6). The incidence of postoperative complications was 25%. Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair carried a high risk of complications. Further, analgesic treatment after surgery was insufficient, with high opioid requirements postoperatively, and more than half of the patients required peripheral nervous blockades, indicating that postoperative pain is a major issue in this patient group. Improved postoperative care for these patients is required.

Telemedicine in postoperative follow-up of STOMa PAtients: a randomized clinical trial (the STOMPA trial).

A stoma has severe impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). Postoperative home community follow-up by teleconsultation (TC) and stoma nurses may reduce the burden of travel and improve QoL. A university hospital and five district medical centres participated. Patients with a stoma were randomized to follow-up by either TC (intervention) or hospital (control). Stoma nurses performed the clinical examination at the TC studio, aided remotely by hospital nurses and surgeons. The primary endpoint was the EQ-5D™ index score; secondary endpoints were the Stoma Quality-of-Life Scale, the OutPatient Experiences Questionnaire, and use of hospital resources. A total of 110 patients were randomized to hospital (58 patients) or TC (52) follow-up; 64 patients (hospital 38, TC 26) were followed for more than 12 months and 246 consultations (hospital 151, TC 95) were performed. There were no differences in QoL: EQ-5D™ index score (P = 0·301) and EQ-5D™ visual analogue scale (VAS) score (P = 0·775); Work/Social Function (P = 0·822); Sexuality/Body Image (P = 0·253) and Stoma Function (P = 0·074). Hospital follow-up performed better for organization of care (staff collaboration, P = 0·004; met same persons, P = 0·003) and communication (surgeon understandable, P < 0·001; surgeon caring P = 0·003). TC did not increase the number of hospital consultations (P = 0·684) and reduced the number of journeys of more than 8 h (P = 0·007). Telemedicine follow-up by stoma nurses did not improve the QoL of patients, but decreased the readmission rate and burden of travel. Registration number NCT01600508 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Impact of bowel and stoma dysfunction on female sexuality after treatment for rectal cancer.

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of bowel dysfunction and a poorly functioning stoma on the risk of sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction in female patients. In a population-based cross-sectional study, Danish rectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 were invited to answer a comprehensive questionnaire regarding cancer- and treatment-related late side effects after rectal cancer treatment. Bowel function was assessed using the Low Anterior Resection score and stoma function using the Colostomy Impact score. Female sexuality was measured by sexual activity, overall sexual dysfunction (the Rectal Cancer Female Sexuality score) and by different domains of sexual dysfunction (Sexual Vaginal Changes questionnaire). Eight-hundred and thirteen female patients completed the questionnaire (response rate 49.2%). Major bowel dysfunction did not significantly increase the risk of sexual inactivity (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.93-2.07) but clearly increased the risk of sexual dysfunction (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.67-5.51). The most distinct problems were dyspareunia and inability to complete intercourse. On the contrary, poor stoma function increased the risk sexual inactivity (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.16-4.40) but not the risk of sexual dysfunction (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.27-1.99). The most distinct problem was dissatisfaction with own physical appearance. Both bowel dysfunction and stoma dysfunction negatively, but differently, affect sexuality. After restorative surgery, bowel dysfunction was primarily associated with sexual dysfunction while poor stoma function after abdominoperineal excision was associated with sexual inactivity.

Early Outcome of Laparoscopic Abdomino-perineal Resection (APR) in Low Rectal and Anal Cancer- Our Initial Experience in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in the western countries and the rectum is the most frequent site involved. Carcinoma of the lower part of the rectum involving the anal canal and carcinoma of the anal canal are now successfully managed by laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (APR) and postoperative morbidities are less and recovery is uneventful. In the current age of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer has been established as equivalent to conventional open surgery in terms of oncological clearance. The purpose of the study is to compare the early outcomes of laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (LAPR) surgery in low rectal and anal cancer patients in terms of surgical site infections, postoperative pain, recovery, hospital stay and margin clearance of tumor with that of open abdomino-perineal resection (OAPR) surgery.&#x0D; Methods: This randomized controlled trial was carried out in the Colorectal Surgery Unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from May, 2012 to April, 2013. 50 patients in low rectal and anal canal cancers were randomized into two groups with 25 patients in conventional open abdomino-perineal resection (OAPR) and rest 25 patients in laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (LAPR). Early outcome variables after surgery were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: Demographic data and baseline characteristics are equivalent in both groups of population. Tumors were more common in rectum (80% and 76%), most of the tumors were adenocarcinomas (80% and 72%) and most of the tumors were present in stage-II (40% and 48%) with grade-2 (64% and 52%) in LAPR and OAPR groups respectively. During early post-operative follow up, abdominal surgical site infection was found more in conventional open abdomino-perineal resection (OAPR) patients than that of laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (LAPR) patients (p =0.001). Other morbidity and colostomy related complications were not significant in early post-operative period in both groups of population. Degree of pain was also less after laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (p=0.001 ). Stoma function occurred earlier after Laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (p =0.017) and ambulation, feeding liquid and feeding solid all had no difference for both groups. Shorter mean length of postoperative hospital stay and early hospital discharge was possible after Laparoscopic abdomino-perineal resection (p =0.001 ). Oncologic parameters were equivalent to those with open procedures.&#x0D; Conclusion: The patients undergoing laparoscopic APR for low rectal and anal canal carcinoma have overall superior outcomes in terms of surgical site infection, postoperative pain, postoperative hospital stay and has equivalent oncological clearance as with those with open procedures.&#x0D; Journal of Surgical Sciences (2014) Vol. 18 (2) : 57-61

Early experience with urgent robotic subtotal colectomy for severe acute ulcerative colitis has comparable perioperative outcomes to laparoscopic surgery.

It has been established that patients undergoing subtotal colectomy for UC benefit from a minimally invasive approach, despite the longer operating times associated with laparoscopic surgery when compared to open surgery (Andersson and Söderholm in Dig Dis 27(3):335-340, 2009; Telem et al. in Surg Endosc 24(7):1616-1620, 2010; Wu et al. in Int J Colorectal Dis 25(8):949-957, 2010). Our objective is to present our early experience with urgent robotic subtotal colectomy (RSTC) and compare them to a matched cohort of patients who underwent urgent laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (LSTC). A prospectively maintained institutional database was queried. Six RSTC patients and 13 LSTC patients were identified from 2015 to 2017. There was no difference in ASA score, body mass index, preoperative steroid use, c. difficile infection, or inflammatory markers between the groups. All patients in the robotic group and eight patients in the laparoscopic group received preoperative biologics. Neither group had intraoperative complications, open conversions, or 30-day mortality recorded. Robotic STC took 29min longer (323.0 vs. 294.0min, p = 0.3). There was no significant difference in blood loss between the two groups (80ml vs. 75ml p = 0.9). There were six postoperative complications (46%) in the laparoscopic group and 1 (20%) in the robotic group. Of these 23% (3/13) for LSTC and 0% (0/5) for RSTC were Grade III or higher. Two laparoscopic and 0 robotic patients required reoperation. The RSTC group had earlier stoma function (1.4 ± 0.8days vs. 2 ± 1.3days) and shorter LOS (3.4 ± 2 vs. 4.6 ± 3.2) than the LSTC group, but these did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, urgent robotic subtotal colectomy for UC is safe and offers technical advantages.

Клинические аспекты нозокомиальной диареи, ассоциированной с Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile у колопроктологических пациентов

Aim. To assess etiologic factor of Clostridium genus associated infection and its influence on the disease clinical course. Materials and methods. 549 in-hospital patients participated in the study. We evaluated clinical and biochemical parameters of blood, stool frequency or stoma function intensity, feces volume per day and length of in-hospital stay. We performed stool sampling three times: during 48 hours after admission, in case of diarrhea and prior discharge. We evaluated glutamate-dehydrogenase (GDH) and Clostridium difficile toxins A and B by means of immunological assays. All samples underwent cultivation in anaerobic conditions. Results. Analysis of clostridial infection ethiologic factor has revealed 38 (17,9%) cases of clostridial diarrhea associated with another Clostridium species. We discovered Clostridium perfringens in 32 (84%) cases, Clostidium novyi in 5 (13%) cases and Clostidium hathewayi in 1 (3%) patient. Diarrhea severity, clinical and laboratory inflammation markers did not differ significantly depending on the isolated etiological agent of clostridial infection and its titer. Clostridial infection significantly increased in-hospital post-surgery length of stay by 4 days (p < 0,01). Conclusions. Symptoms C. difficile-associated infection could occur not only in case of persisting C. difficile but also in cases of other Clostridium species. Clinical manifestation of C. difficile-associated infection increase in-hospital stay.

The type of stoma matters-morbidity in patients with obstructing colorectal cancer.

A loop colostomy may reduce the risk of severe intraabdominal complications in patients with obstructing colorectal cancer compared to an end colostomy. The aim of this study was to relate complications to the type of stoma, and a secondary aim was to evaluate whether the type of colostomy had an impact on time until oncological/surgical treatment. All patients who underwent surgery and received a deviating colostomy due to obstructing colorectal cancer between January 2011 and December 2015 in five Swedish hospitals in Region Västra Götaland were included (n = 289). Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively. Patients alive in the end of 2016 were contacted and were sent a questionnaire including questions about stoma function and health-related quality of life. Some 289 patients were included; 147 received an end colostomy and 140 a loop colostomy. Two patients were excluded from the analysis due to missing data. There was no difference in complications at 90days between the two groups, 44% (end colostomy) and 54% (loop colostomy) (odds ratio: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.49; 1.41). Time to start of treatment was similar in both groups. Patients with a loop colostomy had significantly higher stoma-related morbidity with retraction, prolapse, leakage and bandaging problems. No differences in quality of life were found. The hypothesis that a loop colostomy reduced complications could not be confirmed. An end colostomy should be the first choice in these patients particularly in patients who will have their colostomy for the remainder of their life to reduce stoma-related symptoms.