Whether stoma support rods have application value in loop enterostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Surgical outcomes
• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Medical device efficacy

Background:

• Loop enterostomy is a surgical procedure to divert fecal or urinary matter.
• Stoma support rods are sometimes used to prevent complications like stoma retraction.
• Evidence on the actual benefit and risks of stoma support rods is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the application value of stoma support rods in loop enterostomy.
• To assess the impact of stoma support rods on stoma retraction and other complications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies.
• Searched databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials (Jan 2000-Jan 2020).
• Statistical analysis performed using RevMan5.3 software.

Main Results:

• Six studies with 1131 patients (569 experimental, 562 control) were analyzed.
• No significant difference in stoma retraction incidence between rod and non-rod groups (OR = 0.65, P = 0.23).
• Significantly increased incidence of stoma necrosis (OR = 6.41, P = 0.0006), peristomal dermatitis (OR = 2.93, P < 0.00001), and mucocutaneous separation (OR = 2.14, P = 0.04) in the rod group.

Conclusions:

• Routine use of stoma support rods in clinical practice is not recommended.
• The potential harms outweigh the lack of demonstrated benefit for stoma retraction prevention.