Effect of preoperative stoma site marking on early and late outcomes of intestinal stoma creation

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate how preoperative markings of the stoma site influence patients’ quality of life (QOL), whether they improve patients’ independence, and what is their effect on the rates of postoperative early and late complications. Patients and methods This is a nonrandomized prospective cohort study that included 60 patients who underwent elective intestinal stoma creation in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A included 30 patients who experienced preoperative marking of their stoma site according to the educational guide developed by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Society, and group B included 30 patients who did not experience preoperative marking of their stoma site. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to assess patients’ QOL and the stoma QOL 1 month after surgery. The occurrence of complications was noted during regular outpatient follow-up encounters, with median follow-up of 1 year, and was evaluated by stoma and equipment-related complication scale. Results A total of 60 patients (48.3% females and 51.7% males) were included. Their mean age was 48.32±14.10 years. It was found that the QOL score of patients whose stoma site was marked (group A) was significantly better (45.03–65.01 vs. 33.58–56.19). Overall satisfaction was significantly better in group A (5.27±1.78 vs. 2.73±2.32). Conclusion The patients whose stoma sites were preoperatively marked had significantly better QOL and significantly fewer early postoperative complications, and these results are irrespective of the stoma type.