Stoma closure and reinforcement (SCAR): A study protocol for a pilot trial

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Hernia Repair

Background:

• Sphincter-sparing rectal cancer surgery often requires temporary ileostomy.
• Ileostomy closure carries a high risk (33%) of incisional hernia.
• Current hernia prevention strategies for stoma sites have variable success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel permanent mesh technique for ileostomy closure.
• To assess the feasibility of this technique for a larger randomized controlled trial.
• To explore its impact on patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Prospective pilot study of 20 patients undergoing ileostomy closure with retro rectus permanent mesh.
• Evaluation of 30-day post-procedural complications.
• Long-term follow-up with CT scans every 6 months to monitor for stoma site hernias.

Main Results:

• The study aims to establish safety and efficacy data for the novel mesh technique.
• Preliminary data will inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial.
• Quality of life and complication rates will be assessed.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study will provide crucial data on a new approach to prevent incisional hernias after ileostomy closure.
• Findings will guide the development of a large-scale, multi-center randomized controlled trial.
• The technique holds potential to reduce hernia incidence in rectal cancer patients.