Colostomy symptoms after rectal cancer surgery

This study investigated the complications associated with a colostomy (COL or stoma; a surgically created opening from the abdomen to bowel after removal of the damaged part of the intestine). Researchers suggested that rectal cancer patients who get a COL do not feel limited 3 years after the surgery.

Patients with rectal cancer often receive a definitive or temporary stoma after the removal of the damaged part of the intestine. A stoma allows feces to pass out of the body into a bag, allowing the rectum time to heal. However, there are also complications associated with the stoma. Effects such as distress and stoma acceptance can also be associated with this surgery.

The objective of this study was to investigate the negative side effects of COL in rectal cancer patients such as parastomal herniation (when the abdominal content is pushing through the opening created by the stoma), distress and acceptance of COL.

495 rectal cancer patients answered a questionnaire related to stoma symptoms 3 years after surgery. Most of the patients (almost 90%) did not feel limited by the stoma in their day-to-day life. 11% of the patients had parastomal hernia. This was more common in overweight patients. These patients had a 53% increase in the risk of flatulence (accumulation of gas in the intestine).

This study shows that most of the patients with a stoma did not feel limited in their daily activities. Overweight patients were at a higher risk of having parastomal hernia.