Complications of Colostomy After Colorectal Surgery

Abstract

Background: Significant morbidity is associated with stoma creation and these complications can be grouped into early and late-occurring complications. The literature reports the rate of stoma-related complications ranging from 20 to 70%. Early complications occur within the first 30 days of the stoma creation and include ischemia/necrosis, retraction, mucocutaneous separation, and parastomal abscess.Objective: To evaluate complications of stoma after colorectal surgeries, both early and late complications of colostomy were assessed with respect to the frequency of complications, health-related quality of life (QoL), and length of hospitalization (LoH). Patients and Methods:This was a randomized prospective trial evaluating early and late complications of colostomy after colorectal surgeries in Department of Surgical Oncology, Al-Azhar University Hospital. This study was started at June 2017 and ended at May 2019. Patients were included after they agree to be included in the study and an informed consent was taken. Screening for and inclusion of participants was made after the index surgery. Follow-up of patients was at the time of surgery and up to 6 months after index surgery. Fifty patients were included in this study and assessment of early and late complications was done. The risk of postoperative complications is dependent on patient-related factors and technical aspects of the operative procedure.Results: Retraction was found to be the most common complication (16 % of all patients). Parastomal herniation was the most common late complication after colostomy creation and it affected about 16% of all patients. Conclusion:Complications from colostomies are frequent, costly, and difficult to resolve, even after multiple operations. Prevention of complications occurred through sufficient time spent in siting and mobilization, with strict attention to detail and a meticulous technique.