Incidence of permanent stoma after rectal cancer surgery and its risk factors

Purpose: A significant number of the protective stomas temporarily applied in order to reduce the effects of anastomosis complications after rectal cancer surgery cannot be closed and become permanent. In this study, the causes that can lead to a permanent stoma were investigated. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent elective surgery with low anterior resection and protective ileostomy due to rectal cancer were included in the study. Patients whose stoma could not be closed within one year were evaluated as permanent stoma. Results: 66 patients were included in the study. The mean closing time for the stomas were found as 5, 6 +/- 2,5 (1-12)months. The stomas of twelve (18.2%) of the patients could not be closed and became permanent. The presence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, the proximity of the anastomosis to the anal entry, coloanal anastomosis, and the final pathology showing stage IIIC were found to be risk factors for permanent stoma. Conclusion: Some of the stomas applied temporarily due to surgical treatment of rectal cancer became permanent. Before the index operation, the patient and their relatives should be informed that in the presence of certain risk factors, these stomas may not be closed and become permanent.