When comparable methodologies and definitions are used, studies produce remarkably similar prevalence rates in different community populations. FI remains an unspoken symptom, with lower rates reported in personal interviews compared with anonymous postal questionnaires.

Background: Defunctioning ileostomy is widely used to protect a low colorectal anastomosis. However, the use of an ileostomy may have an impact on long-term bowel function and quality of life after anterior resection. The objectives were to compare bowel function and quality of life outcomes between patients undergoing an anterior resection for rectal cancer, with and without the formation of a diverting ileostomy, and to compare outcomes for early versus late closure of diverting ileostomy. Method: A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies published between 2007 and 2018 comparing bowel function and quality of life outcomes after an anterior resection for rectal cancer in those with and without formation of a diverting ileostomy. Results: Four studies (three randomized controlled trials) reported bowel function and quality of life outcomes. Pooled analysis for 227 participants showed that having an ileostomy is associated with twice the risk of suffering from low anterior resection syndrome (odds ratio (major low anterior resection syndrome) 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 3.5; P = 0.02). There were no consistent differences in quality of life. Based on single studies there is limited evidence of some improvements in bowel function but no difference in quality of life after early compared to late closure of ileostomy. Conclusion: There is some evidence for an association between low anterior resection syndrome and the use of a diverting ileostomy to protect a rectal anastomosis. Potential confounders include height of the anastomosis. Further research into the mechanisms underlying this potential association may inform methods to mitigate the harms of an ileostomy.© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons ANZ J Surg 90 (2020) 687-692

This study shows that for patients who do not progress to prolonged ileus, those with left-sided resections experience faster return of bowel function when compared with those having right-sided resections. The reason for this finding is currently unknown and deserves further attention.

Aim Ileostomy formation is a commonly performed procedure with substantial associated morbidity. Patients with an ileostomy experience high rates of unplanned hospital readmission with dehydration, and such events have a long‐term health and economic impact. Reports of the significant risk factors associated with these readmissions have been inconsistent. This study aimed to identify the significant risk factors for readmission with dehydration following ileostomy formation. Method A systematic search was conducted using the Medline, Embase, Cochrane and CINAHL databases. All original research articles reporting risk factors for readmission with dehydration following ileostomy formation in adults were included. The primary outcome was the pooled risk ratio of clinically relevant variables potentially associated with dehydration‐related readmission following ileostomy formation. The secondary outcome was the incidence of dehydration‐related readmission. Results Ten studies (27 089 patients) were included. The incidences of 30‐ and 60‐day readmission with dehydration were 5.0% (range 2.1%–13.2%) and 10.3% (range 7.3%–14.1%), respectively. Eight variables were found to be significantly associated with dehydration‐related readmission: age ≥65 years, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, renal comorbidity, regular diuretic use, ileal pouch–anal anastomosis procedure and length of stay after index admission. A preoperative diagnosis of colorectal cancer was less likely to result in readmission with dehydration. Conclusion Readmission with dehydration following ileostomy formation is a significant issue with several risk factors. Awareness of these risk factors will help inform the design of future studies addressing risk prediction, allow risk stratification of ileostomates and aid in the development of personalized prevention strategies.

We have identified independent predictors of the need for surgical intervention during an episode of renal colic and formulated a nomogram. Combined with the diligent use of acute ureteroscopy at our centre, this nomogram may have clinical utility when making decisions regarding treatment options with potential healthcare cost savings.