Stoma-related symptoms in patients operated for rectal cancer with abdominoperineal excision

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to characterize the frequency, severity, and distress of symptoms from the colostomy and colostomy acceptance in rectal cancer patients. The secondary aims were to study the symptomatic parastomal herniation, its relationship to stoma-related symptoms, and potential risk factors for the development of symptomatic parastomal herniation. Methods Data was collected from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and from surgical charts. Patients operated for rectal cancer with an abdominoperineal excision in Sweden between 2007 and 2009 and alive 3 years postoperatively were contacted (n = 852). Patients who consented to participate, had a colostomy constructed during the abdominoperineal excision, and who answered a questionnaire 3 years postoperative were included (n = 495). Answers were analyzed with emphasis on stoma-related symptoms and their intensity as well as the level of distress associated with the symptoms. Results Almost 90 % of patients did not feel limited in their daily life by their colostomy. Patients with symptomatic parastomal hernia had a 53 % higher risk of flatulence. Fifty-six patients developed symptomatic parastomal hernia (11 %). The only risk factor associated with the development of symptomatic parastomal hernia was high body mass index (BMI). Conclusions This study shows that most patients do not feel limited by their stoma 3 years after surgery for rectal cancer. Symptomatic parastomal hernia was associated with high BMI but not with the surgical technique.