Ileostomy for chronic constipation: a good idea or just asking for more trouble?. (9th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, George; Chapple, Keith; Brown, Steven R.
• Is Part Of: Colorectal disease. Volume 23:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1474
• Page End: 1479
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09
• Subjects: Constipation -- decision regret scale -- ileostomy -- stoma; Colon (Anatomy) -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Rectum -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.34
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.15509
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-8910

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: A defunctioning stoma may be an option for a small group of patients with chronic constipation who have exhausted all forms of conservative management and remain symptomatic. We investigated this group in terms of stoma‐related complications and whether they regretted the intervention. Methods: Patients presenting to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Pelvic Floor Unit over a 7‐year period with chronic constipation unresponsive to conservative management and who had undergone a loop ileostomy for management were interviewed using the decision regret scale. Details about subsequent stoma‐related surgery were recorded. Results: Thirty‐seven of 38 female patients identified (median age 49 years, range 24–86) completed the decision regret scale. Median follow‐up was 34 months (range 7–74). About half (49%) had no regret and a further 27% had minimal regret about the decision for a stoma. Fifty‐five per cent of patients had further operations related to the stoma, some undergoing up to five operations. Conclusion: A small group of patients with intractable constipation may benefit from a loop ileostomy but are likely to need subsequent surgery to the stoma. Despite this most patients who have had a stoma do not regret the decision.