Qualitative exploration of home life experiences and care needs among elderly patients with temporary intestinal stomas

BACKGROUND This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs.Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer.However,the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications,as well as fluid,electrolyte,and nutritional imbalances,posing challenges to effective management.The successful selfmanagement of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy;nonetheless,there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront.AIM To investigate the lived experiences,perceptions,and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment,with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol.METHODS Over the period of June to August 2023,a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai,China.Employing a phenomenological research approach,a semi-structured interview guide was developed,and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques.The acquired data underwent coding,analysis,organization,and summarization following Colaizzi’s seven-step method.RESULTS The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes:Firstly,Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression;secondly,patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits,resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals;thirdly,patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment;and finally,patients express a significant need for emotional and social support.CONCLUSION Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens,inadequate self-care abilities,informational deficits,and emotional needs.Identifying factors influencing patients’self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection without diversional stomas

Objective The most important complication after low anterior resection(LAR) for mid-low rectal cancer is symptomatic anastomotic leakage(AL). More than one-third of patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR will have functional stomas during primary operation. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with clinical AL following LAR without diversional stomas.Methods Between 2012 and 2017, information about 578 consecutive patients with rectal tumors less than 12 cm from the anal verge who underwent LAR without diversional stomas by the same surgical team was collected retrospectively. A standardized extraperitonealized anastomosis and pelvic drainage were conducted for all patients during primary operations, and the outcome of interest was clinical AL. The associations between AL and 14 patient-related and surgical variables were examined by both univariate chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results The AL rate was 7.27%(42 of 578). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that male sex(P = 0.018), mid-low rectal cancer(located 10 cm or less above the anal verge)(P = 0.041), presence of diabetes(odds ratio = 2.117), longer duration of operation(odds ratio = 1.890), and intraoperative contamination(odds ratio = 2.163) were risk factors of AL for LAR without diversional stoma and independently predictive of clinical AL. Nearly 83.3%(35 of 42) of leakage could be cured by persistent pelvic irrigation-suction-drainage without surgical intervention. Only 7 patients(16.7%) with severe complications, such as peritonitis, and fistula, required reoperation, and functional stoma was used as a salvage treatment.Conclusion From the findings of this retrospective survey, we identified that mid-low rectal cancer and male sex were independent risk factors for developing clinical AL after LAR without diversional stomas, as well as longer duration of operation, presence of diabetes, and contamination of the operative field. Moreover, we deemed that LAR without diversional stomas for mid-low rectal cancers was safe, effective, and feasible. Extraperitonealized anastomosis and pelvic drainage obtained a relatively low rate of AL and avoided unnecessary functional stomas. Pelvic irrigation-suction-drainage was an effective procedure to resolve AL, and functional stoma was potentially used as a salvage modality for serious leakage.

Effect of Brisk Walking on Self-Care Agency or Care Dependency among Colorectal Cancer Patients with Permanent Stoma

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brisk walking as an intervention for self-care agency and care dependency in patients with permanent colorectal cancer stoma.Method:This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design,specifically a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design.Utilizing the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale(ESCA)and Care Dependency Scale(CDS),a survey was administered to 64 patients from a hospital in Shandong Province.The statistical methods used for analyzing data included frequency,mean,standard deviation(SD),independent t-test,P-value calculation,and dependent t-test.Result:After two months of a brisk walking exercise program,participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-care agency than before the experiment(P<0.05),and their level of care dependency was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Participants in the control group also showed higher levels of self-care agency(P<0.05)and lower levels of care dependency(P<0.05)after two months compared to their levels before the two months.Conclusion:The brisk walking program had a positive impact on patients’self-care agency and reduced their care dependency.

Efficacy of transanal drainage tube in preventing anastomotic leakage after surgery for rectal cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leakage(AL)following rectal cancer surgery is an important cause of mortality and recurrence.Although transanal drainage tubes(TDTs)are expected to reduce the rate of AL,their preventive effects are controversial.AIM To reveal the effect of TDT in patients with symptomatic AL after rectal cancer surgery.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library databases.We included randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and prospective cohort studies(PCSs)in which patients were assigned to two groups depending on the use or non-use of TDT and in which AL was evaluated.The results of the studies were synthesized using the Mantel-Haenszel randomeffects model,and a two-tailed P value>0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Three RCTs and two PCSs were included in this study.Symptomatic AL was examined in all 1417 patients(712 with TDT),and TDTs did not reduce the symptomatic AL rate.In a subgroup analysis of 955 patients without a diverting stoma,TDT reduced the symptomatic AL rate(odds ratio=0.50,95%confidence interval:0.29–0.86,P=0.012).CONCLUSION TDT may not reduce AL overall among patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.However,patients without a diverting stoma may benefit from TDT placement.

Gunsight suture with subcutaneous vacuum drainage during enterostomy decreased the surgical site infection rate in obese rectal cancer patients:A retrospective study

Background:Surgical site infection(SSI)is the most common complication after stoma closure and is particularly common in obese patients.To reduce the incidence of SSI,various skin closure techniques have been proposed;however,the best technique is still under debate.The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of subcutaneous vacuum drains(SVDs)after two surgical suture techniques following stoma reversal in obese patients. Methods:Data from 190 obese patients with rectal cancer who underwent stoma reversal for enterostomy between February 2012 and April 2023 at Jinxiang Hospital Affiliated to Jining Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.These patients were divided into two groups:gunsight suture(GS)with SVD and primary linear suture(PLS)with SVD.The GS group and PLS group included 90 and 100 patients,respectively.The clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.Postoperative pain scores were analyzed using a generalized estimation equation. Results:Surgery was successfully performed in both groups.The rate of SSI in the GS group was significantly lower than that in the PLS group(2.2%vs 9.0%,P=0.046).Patients in the GS group had a significantly shorter wound healing time than did patients in the PLS group,as well as a significantly shorter postoperative fasting time(P<0.05).No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the postoperative hospital stay,operative time,and estimated blood loss(P>0.05).The results of the generalized estimation equation analysis showed that the GS group had significantly lower pain scores at 12,24,48,and 72 h after surgery than the PLS group(P<0.05).Moreover,the GS group showed significantly better alleviation of wound pain between 12 and 72 h after surgery(P<0.05). Conclusions:The GS technique with SVD may be recommended for wound closure of a nonfunctioning stoma in obese patients.

A Comparative Study on the Microstructure of the Leaves of Different Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.Cultivars

Through scanning electron microscope and optical microscope, a compara- tive study on morphological features and anatomical characters of the leaves of some pear cultivars （strains） was carried out. The results showed that the size and shapes of leaf epidermal cells were different, stomatal apparatuses were distributed in the hypodermis, the shapes of stornas were mainly oval, and these of ＇Jinxiang- shui＇ were long oval; the stomatal type was irregular, the cultivar with the maximum density of leaf stomas was ＇Jinxiangshui＇, and the minimum was ＇Aishanli＇. The thickness of palisade tissues and spongy tissues of different pear cultivars （strains） was different, the maximum thickness of palisade tissues of ＇Aishanli＇ was 105.5 iJm, and the maximum thickness of spongy tissues of ＇Jinxiangshui＇ was 98.4 IJm. The ratios of palisade tissues to spongy tissues from high to low were ＇Qiuyueli＇, ＇Zaoxiangshui＇, ＇Aishanli＇, ＇Hongjinqiu＇ and ＇8404＇. The differences on these mi- cromorphological characters among different pear cultivars （strains） had important significance to the identification of the cultivars and the early choice of breeding.

Increased postoperative complications after protective ileostomy closure delay: An institutional study

AIM: To study the morbidity and complications as-sociated to ileostomy reversal in colorectal surgery pa-tients, and if these are related to the time of closure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 93 patients, who had undergone elective ileostomy closure between 2009 and 2013 was performed. Demographic, clinical and surgical variables were reviewed for analysis. All complications were recorded, and classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Statistical univariate and multivariate analysis was performed, setting a P value of 0.05 for significance.RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 60.3 years, 58% male. The main procedure for ileostomy cre-ation was rectal cancer(56%), and 37% had received preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. The average delay from creation to closure of the ileostomy was 10.3 mo. Postoperative complications occurred in 40% of the pa-tients, with 1% mortality. The most frequent were ileus(13%) and wound infection(13%). Pseudomembra-nous colitis appeared in 4%. Increased postoperative complications were associated with delay in ileostomyclosure(P = 0.041). Male patients had more complica-tions(P = 0.042), mainly wound infections(P = 0.007). Pseudomembranous colitis was also associated with the delay in ileostomy closure(P = 0.003). End-to-end in-testinal anastomosis without resection was significantly associated with postoperative ileus(P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Although closure of a protective il-eostomy is a fairly common surgical procedure, it has a high rate of complications, and this must be taken into account when the indication is made. The delay in stoma closure can increase the rate of complications in general, and specifically wound infections and colitis.

Risk factors for postoperative stoma outlet obstruction in ulcerativecolitis

BACKGROUND Current medical treatments can achieve remission of ulcerative colitis (UC).Surgery is required when potent drug treatment is ineffective or when coloncancer or high-grade dysplasia develops. The standard procedure is restorativeproctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, commonly performedas two- or three-stage RPC with diverting ileostomy. Postoperative stoma outletobstruction (SOO) is frequent, but the causes are not well known.AIM To identify the risk factors for SOO after stoma surgery in patients with UC.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the files of 148 consecutive UC patients whounderwent surgery with stoma construction. SOO was defined as small bowelobstruction symptoms and intestinal dilatation just below the penetrating part ofthe stoma on computed tomography. Patients were divided into two groups:Those who developed SOO within 30 d after surgery and those who did not.Patient characteristics, intraoperative parameters, the stoma site, and rectusabdominis muscle thickness were collected. Moreover, we identified the patientswho repeatedly developed SOO. Univariate and multivariate analyses wereperformed to identify risk factors for SOO and recurring SOO.RESULTS Eighty-nine patients who underwent two-stage RPC were included betweenJanuary 2008 and March 2020. Postoperatively, SOO occurred in 25 (16.9%)patients after a median time of 9 d (range 2-26). Compared to patients withoutSOO, patients with SOO had a significantly higher rate of malignant tumors ordysplasia (36.0% vs 17.1%, P = 0.032), lower total glucocorticoid dose one monthbefore surgery (0 mg vs 0 mg, P = 0.026), higher preoperative total protein level(6.8 g/dL vs 6.3 g/dL, P = 0.048), higher rate of loop ileostomy (88.0% vs 55.3%, P= 0.002), and higher maximum stoma drainage volume (2300 mL vs 1690 mL, P =0.004). Loop ileostomy (OR = 6.361;95%CI 1.322–30.611;P = 0.021) and maximumstoma drainage volume (OR = 1.000;95%CI 1.000–1.001;P = 0.015) wereconfirmed as independent risk factors for SOO. Eighteen patients with SOO weretreated conservatively without recurrence (sSOO group). Seven (28.0%) patientsrepeatedly developed SOO (rSOO group) during the observation period. Asignificant difference was observed in the rectus abdominis muscle thicknessbetween the two groups (sSOO 9.3 mm, rSOO 12.7 mm, P = 0.006). Musclethickness was confirmed as an independent risk factor for recurring SOO (OR =2.676;95%CI 1.176-4.300;P = 0.008).CONCLUSION In this study, high maximum stoma drainage volume and loop ileostomy areindependent risk factors for SOO. Additionally, among patients with a thickrectus abdominis muscle, the risk of SOO recurrence is high.

Predictive factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Every colorectal surgeon during his or her career is faced with anastomotic leakage(AL); one of the most dreaded complications following any type of gastrointestinal anastomosis due to increased risk of morbidity, mortality, overall impact on functional and oncologic outcome and drainage on hospital resources. In order to understand and give an overview of the AL risk factors in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, we carried out a careful review of the existing literature on this topic and found several different definitions of AL which leads us to believe that the lack of a consensual, standard definition can partly explain the considerable variations in reported rates of AL in clinical studies. Colorectal leak rates have been found to vary depending on the anatomic location of the anastomosis with reported incidence rates ranging from 0 to 20%, while the laparoscopic approach to colorectal resections has not yet been associated with a significant reduction in AL incidence. As well, numerous risk factors, though identified, lack unanimous recognition amongst researchers. For example, the majority of papers describe the risk factors for left-sided anastomosis, the principal risk being male sex and lower anastomosis, while little data exists defining AL risk factors in a right colectomy. Also, gut microbioma is gaining an emerging role as potential risk factor for leakage.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer management

Thirty per cent of all colorectal tumours develop in the rectum.The location of the rectum within the bony pelvis and its proximity to vital structures presents significant therapeutic challenges when considering neoadjuvant options and surgical interventions.Most patients with early rectal cancer can be adequately managed by surgery alone.However,a significant proportion of patients with rectal cancer present with locally advanced disease and will potentially benefit from down staging prior to surgery.Neoadjuvant therapy involves a variety of options including radiotherapy,chemotherapy used alone or in combination.Neoadjuvant radiotherapy in rectal cancer has been shown to be effective in reducing tumour burden in advance of curative surgery.The gold standard surgical rectal cancer management aims to achieve surgical removal of the tumour and all draining lymph nodes,within an intact mesorectal package,in order to minimise local recurrence.It is critically important that all rectal cancer cases are discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting represented by all relevant specialties.Pre-operative staging including CT thorax,abdomen,pelvis to assess for distal disease and magnetic resonance imaging to assess local involvement is essential.Staging radiology and MDT discussion are integral in identifying patients who require neoadjuvant radiotherapy.While Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is potentially beneficial it may also result in morbidity and thus should be reserved for those patients who are at a high risk of local failure,which includes patients with nodal involvement,extramural venous invasion and threatened circumferential margin.The aim of this review is to discuss the role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the management of rectal cancer.

Role of protective stoma in low anterior resection for rectal cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the role of a protective stoma in low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer.

How to assess intestinal viability during surgery: A review of techniques

Objective and quantitative intraoperative methods of bowel viability assessment are essential in gastrointestinal surgery. Exact determination of the borderline of the viable bowel with the help of an objective test could result in a decrease of postoperative ischemic complications. An accurate, reproducible and cost effective method is desirable in every operating theater dealing with abdominal operations. Numerous techniques assessing various parameters of intestinal viability are described by the studies. However, there is no consensus about their clinical use. To evaluate the available methods, a systematic search of the English literature was performed. Virtues and drawbacks of the techniques and possibilities of clinical application are reviewed. Valuable parameters related to postoperative intestinal anastomotic or stoma complications are analyzed. Important issues in the measurement and interpretation of bowel viability are discussed. To date, only a few methods are applicable in surgical practice.Further studies are needed to determine the limiting values of intestinal tissue oxygenation and flow indicative of ischemic complications and to standardize the methods.

Risk factors causing structural sequelae after anastomotic leakage in mid to low rectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the risk factors causing structural sequelae after anastomotic leakage in patients with mid to low rectal cancer.METHODS: Prospectively collected data of consecutive subjects who had anastomotic leakage after surgical resection for rectal cancer from March 2006 to May 2013 at Korea University Anam Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Two subgroup analyses were performed. The patients were initially divided into the sequelae(stricture, fistula, or sinus) and no sequelae groups and then divided into the permanent stoma(PS)and no PS groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors of structural sequelae after anastomotic leakage.RESULTS: Structural sequelae after anastomotic leakage were identified in 29 patients(39.7%).Multivariate analysis revealed that diversion ileostomy at the first operation increases the risk of structural sequelae [odds ratio(OR) = 6.741; P = 0.017].Fourteen patients(17.7%) had permanent stoma during the follow-up period(median, 37 mo). Multivariate analysis showed that the tumor level from the dentate line was associated with the risk of permanent stoma(OR = 0.751; P = 0.045).CONCLUSION: Diversion ileostomy at the first operation increased the risk of structural sequelae of the anastomosis, while lower tumor location was associated with the risk of permanent stoma in the management of anastomotic leakage.

Complications of newborn enterostomies

AIM To evaluate the occurrence and severity of enterostomy complications in newborns suffering from different intestinal disorders.METHODS A 10-year retrospective cohort study(2008-2017) investigated newborns that underwent enterostomy formation and reversal for different intestinal disorders. Only infants less than 28 d old at the time of enterostomy creation were included in the study(corrected age was applied in the cases of preterm neonates). The patients were divided into two groups according to their underlying diseases. Group 1 included infants suffering from necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC), whereas Group 2 included newborns diagnosed with intestinal disorders other than NEC, such as meconium obstruction, anorectal malformation, focal intestinal perforation, ileus, intestinal atresia and volvulus. The primary outcome measure was enterostomy-related morbidity. The data were analyzed statistically using Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-Test for continuous variables. RESULTS In total, 76 infants met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated for enterostomy-related complications. Neither group showed significant differences regarding gender, gestational age, weight at birth or weight at enterostomy formation. Infants suffering from NEC(Group 1) were significantly older at enterostomy for-mation than the neonates of Group 2 [median(range), 11(2-75) d vs 4(1-101) d, P = 0.004)]. Significantly more ileostomies were created in Group 1 [47(92.2%) vs 16(64.0%), P = 0.007], whereas colostomies were performed significantly more often in Group 2 [2(3.9%) vs 8(32.0%), P = 0.002]. The initiation of enteral nutrition after enterostomy was significantly later in Group 1 infants than in Group 2 infants [median(range), 5(3-13) vs 3(1-9), P < 0.001]. The overall rate of one or more complications in patients of both groups after enterostomy formation was 80.3%, with rates of 86.3% in Group 1 and 68.0% in Group 2(P = 0.073). Most patients suffered from two complications(23.7%). Four or more complications occurred in 21.6% of the infants in Group 1 and in 12.0% of the infants in Group 2(P = 0.365). Following enterostomy closure, at least one complication was observed in 26.0% of the patients(30.6% in Group 1 and 16.7% in Group 2, P = 0.321). The occurrence of complications was not significantly different between neonates with NEC and infants with other intestinal disorders. 48(65.8%) patients required no treatment or only pharmacological treatment for the complications that occurred [Clavien-Dindo-Classification(CDC) < Ⅲ], while 25(34.2%) required surgery to address the complications(CDC ≥Ⅲ). Early reversal of the enterostomy was performed significantly more often(P = 0.003) and the time to full enteral nutrition after closure was significantly longer [median(range), 7(3-87) d vs 12(5-93) d, P = 0.006] in infants with a CDC grading ≥Ⅲ than in infants with a CDC grading < Ⅲ. CONCLUSION Complications occur in almost all infants with enterostomies. The majority of these complications are minor and do not require surgical treatment. There is a clear trend that neonates with NEC have a higher risk for developing complications than those without NEC.

Colonic stenting vs emergent surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the effects of emergent preopera-tive self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) vs emer-gent surgery for acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction. METHODS:Two investigators independently searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as references of included studies to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared two or more surgical approaches for acute colonic obstruction. Summary risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI for colonic stenting and emergent surgery were calculated. RESULTS:Eight studies met the selection criteria, involving 444 patients, of whom 219 underwent SEMS and 225 underwent emergent surgery. Seven studies reported difference of the one-stage stoma rates between the two groups (RR, 0.60; 95% CI:0.48-0.76; P < 0.0001). Only three RCTs described the follow-up stoma rates, which showed no significant difference between the two groups (RR, 0.80; 95% CI:0.59-1.08; P = 0.14). Difference was not significant in the mortality between the two groups (RR, 0.91; 95% CI:0.50-1.66; P = 0.77), but there was significant difference (RR, 0.57; 95% CI:0.44-0.74; P < 0.0001) in the overall morbidity. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the anastomotic leak rate (RR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.28-1.28; P = 0.19), occurrence of abscesses, including peristomal abscess, intraperitoneal abscess and parietal abscess (RR, 0.83; 95% CI:0.36-1.95; P = 0.68), and other abdominal complications (RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.40-1.12; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION:SEMS is not obviously more advantageous than emergent surgery for patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.

Healing of Stoma After Magnetic Biliary-Enteric Anastomosis in Canine Peritonitis Models

Objective To assese the healing of stoma after magnetic anastomosis for the reconstruction of biliary-enteric continuity under severe inflammation. Methods Acute bile duct injury was constructed as a bile peritonitis model in mongrel dogs(n=32). Magnetic anastomosis(group A, n=16) and traditional suture anastomosis(group B, n=16) were performed to reconstruct the biliary-enteric continuity in one stage. Half of the dogs in each group were euthanized on the 30 th postoperative day, and the other half on the 90 th postoperative day to harvest the stoma region. The healing conditions of the stoma after the 2 anastomotic approaches were observed with naked eyes, under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results The stoma leakage rate(50% versus 0% on the 30 th postoperative day, 37.5% versus 12.5% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.05) and stenosis degree(13.9%±0.3% versus 7.1%±0.3% on the 30 th postoperative day, 17.2%±0.4% versus 9.4%±0.4% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.01) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Compared with traditional manual anastomoses, the histological analysis under light and electron microscope showed a more continuous stoma with more regular epithelium proliferation and collagen arrangement, less inflammation in group A. Conclusions Magnetic anastomosis stent ensures better healing of the stoma even under the circumstance of severe inflammation.

Routine defunctioning stoma after chemoradiation and total mesorectal excision:A single-surgeon experience

AIM:To investigate the 10-year results of treating low rectal cancer by a single surgeon in one institution.METHODS:From Oct 1998 to Feb 2009,we prospectively followed a total of 62 patients with cT2-4 low rectal cancer with lower tumor margins measuring at 3 to 6 cm above the anal verge.All patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation(CRT) for 6 wk.Among them,85% of the patients received 225 mg/m2/d 5-fluorouracil using a portable infusion pump.The whole pelvis received a total dose of 45 Gy of irradiation in 25 fractions over 5 wk.The interval from CRT completion to surgical intervention was planned to be approximately 6-8 wk.Total mesorectal excision(TME) and routine defunctioning stoma construction were performed by one surgeon.The distal resection margin,circumferential resection margin,tumor regression grade(TRG) and other parameters were recorded.We used TRG to evaluate the tumor response after neoadjuvant CRT.We evaluated anal function outcomes using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center anal function scores after closure of the defunctioning stoma.RESULTS:The median distance from the lower margin of rectal cancer to the anal verge was 5 cm:6 cm in 9 patients,5 cm in 32 patients,4 cm in 10 patients,and 3 cm in 11 patients.Before receiving neoadjuvant CRT,45 patients(72.6%) had a cT3-4 tumor,and 21(33.9%) patients had a cN1-2 lymph node status.After CRT,30 patients(48.4%) had a greater than 50% clinical reduction in tumor size.The final pathology reports revealed that 33 patients(53.2%) had a ypT3-4 tumor and 12(19.4%) patients had ypN1-2 lymph node involvement.All patients completed the entire course of neoadjuvant CRT.Most patients developed only Grade 1-2 toxicities during CRT.Thirteen patients(21%) achieved a pathologic complete response.Few post-operative complications occurred.Nearly 90% of the defunctioning stomas were closed within 6 mo.The local recurrence rate was 3.2%.Pathologic lymph node involvement was the only prognostic factor predicting disease recurrence(36.5% vs 76.5%,P = 0.006).Nearly 90% of patients recovered sphincter function within 2 year after closure of the defunctioning stoma.CONCLUSION:Neoadjuvant CRT followed by TME,combined with routine defunctioning stoma construction and high-volume surgeon experience,can provide excellent surgical quality and good local disease control.

Obstructive and secretory complications of diverting ileostomy

This review aimed to highlight the etiology,diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of obstructive and secretory complications associated with diverting ileostomy(DI).Obstructive complications at the stoma site are termed stoma outlet obstruction(SOO)or stoma-related obstruction(SRO).The incidence of SOO/SRO is 5.4%-27.3%,and the risk factors are multifactorial;however,the configuration of the stoma limb and the thickness of the rectus abdominis muscle(RAM)may be of particular concern.Trans-stomal tube decompression is initially attempted with a success rate of 33%-86%.A thick RAM may carry the risk of recurrence.Surgical refinement,including a wider incision of the anterior sheath and adequate stoma limb length,avoids tension and immobility and may decrease SOO/SRO.Secretory complications of DI are termed high output stoma(HOS).Persistent HOS lead to water and sodium depletion,and secondary hyperaldosteronism,resulting in electrolyte imbalances,such as hypomagnesemia.The incidence of HOS is 14%-24%,with an output of 1000-2000 mL/d lasting up to three days.Treatment of HOS is commenced after excluding postoperative complications or enteritis and includes fluid intake restriction,antimotility and antisecretory drug therapies,and magnesium supplementation.Intensive monitoring and surveillance programs have been successful in decreasing readmissions for dehydration.

Factors associated with stoma quality of life among stoma patients

Background:Quality of life(QOL)concerns in patients with stomas is a globally important health issue.Currently,a lack of understanding into which factors influence QOL postcolostomy hinders the ability of health care professionals to provide appropriate instruction and care needed to improve a patient’s QOL.Objectives:To determine the level of stoma-specific QOL and to determine which factors associate with stoma-specific QOL among patients with a stoma.Methods:A convenience sample of 76 patients with stomas was recruited from patients who presented to the ward for checkup in a tertiary hospital in Beijing.Quality of life,selfcare,and hope were assessed in patients by the Stoma-QOL,stoma self-care agency scale,and Herth Hope Index,respectively.Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson correlation,t-test,and multiple linear regression analysis.Results:Our stoma-QOL survey demonstrated that stoma patients experienced difficulties functioning in work and social situations,had issues with sexuality and body image,and difficulties with stoma function.Patients expressed concerns related to the stoma itself such as finding privacy to empty the pouch,problems with leakage,and difficulties participating in social activities.Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that self-care agency and hope were the main influencing factors and explained 23.4%of the variance of stoma function and 17.8%of the variance of work/social function.Conclusion:QOL in patients with a stoma was not ideal.Our findings demonstrate that following stoma implantation,improvements in self-care and inspiring hope in patients played an important role in bettering their stoma-QOL.The strength of our study is that we adopted a stoma-specific questionnaire instead of a general scale such as EORTC C30.

Modification of end-loop ileostomy for the treatment of ischemic or radiation enteritis

AIM: To evaluate a new technique of temporary ileal anastomotic stoma, following small bowel resection, in patients where the anastomosis is anticipated to have borderline margins with dubious viability. METHODS: Five patients underwent enterectomy and partially anastomosed end-loop ileostomy at the University Hospital of Larissa between 2000 and 2006. Enterectomy was performed because of conditions such as mesenteric vascular occlusive disease, radiation entritis and small bowel injury. RESULTS: Postoperatively, none of the patients developed any stoma-related or anastomotic complications. There were no major complications. All patients were discharged between the 8th and 15th day after the procedure, and the stoma was closed 3 wk to 4 wk later. CONCLUSION: We believe that our proposed modification of end-loop ileostomy is a simple, quick and safe technique with minimal stoma-related morbidity, and with simple and safe reversion. This technique can be considered as a useful option in the treatment of ischemic or radiation-induced enteritis, and in the management of severe intestinal trauma.