A Study on Indications, Complications and Management in An Intestinal Stoma Patient

Abstract

Background: Intestinal stoma formation is a crucial surgical procedure for managing various gastrointestinal conditions, including malignancies, perforations, and trauma. While life-saving, stomas are associated with a range of complications that can impact the quality of life and recovery of patients. This study aims to investigate the indications, complications, and management strategies associated with intestinal stomas in an Indian healthcare setting.

Objective: To evaluate the indications for stoma formation, common complications, and the outcomes of various management strategies in patients undergoing ileostomy or colostomy procedures.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Karad, India, over 18 months. Data were collected from preoperative assessments to postoperative follow-up, with patients enrolled based on specific inclusion criteria. The sample size consisted of 38 patients, who were followed for 24 weeks. The study focused on demographic data, indications for surgery, early and late complications, and stoma reversal outcomes.

Results: The study found that most participants were aged 40–49 years, with colonic adenocarcinoma being the leading indication for stoma formation. Common early complications included skin excoriation (17.9%) and high-output stoma (11.4%). Ileostomies showed significantly higher complication rates than colostomies. Stoma reversal was performed in 39.4% of patients within 24 weeks. Other complications included peristomal wound infections (14.9%) and prolapse (2.6%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of early identification and management of complications in patients undergoing stoma formation. Personalized perioperative care, especially for high-risk stoma types like ileostomies, can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the occurrence of complications.