Risk factors for permanent stoma after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

This study evaluated the risk factors influencing permanent stoma after curative resection of rectal cancer and compared the long-term survival of patients according to the stoma state.

From January 2004 to December 2010, 895 consecutive rectal cancer patients with histological-confirmed adenocarcinoma who received low anterior resection with curative intent at the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographics, times of stoma reversal, and number/reason of permanent stoma were evaluated.

Three hundred fifteen patients (35.2 %) had a diverting stoma of temporary intent among 895 rectal adenocarcinoma patients. Loop ileostomy was performed in 271 patients (86.0 %). A total of 256 (81.3 %) of 315 stoma patients received stoma closure. The mean period between primary surgery and stoma closure was 5.6 months (range, 1-44 months). Seventy-three patients (23.2 %) were confirmed with permanent stoma. Multivariate analysis showed stage IV (hazard ratio (HR), 3.380; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.192-18.023; p = 0.027), anastomosis-related complication (HR, 3.299; 95 % CI, 1.397-7.787; p = 0.006), colostomy type (HR, 7.276, 95 % CI, 2.454-21.574; p = 0.000), systemic metastasis (HR, 2.698; 95 % CI, 1.1.288-5.653; p = 0.009), and local recurrence (HR, 4.231; 95 % CI, 1.724-10.383; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for permanent stoma.

On postoperative follow-up, in patients with anastomotic complication, tumor progression with local recurrences and systemic metastasis may cause permanent stoma.