Chemotherapy as a Risk Factor for Peristomal Skin Disorders: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Abstract The study evaluated the impact of chemotherapy on the development and progression of peristomal skin disorders in stoma patients with malignant rectal tumors. This prospective, multicenter observational study included patients who underwent stoma creation for malignant rectal tumors from December 2019 to December 2022. The study examined risk factors for peristomal skin disorder onset and progression during outpatient follow-up. Overall, 130 cases from six institutions were included. Patients were categorized by peristomal skin disorder presence at their first outpatient visit, 1-month post-stoma creation. Risk factors for onset and progression were analyzed thereafter. Stoma care followed a standardized schedule based on ABCD-Stoma care principles. At the 1-month outpatient visit, peristomal skin disorders were absent in 53 patients (40.8%) and present in 77 (59.2%). Chemotherapy was identified as a significant risk factor for the development (p = 0.015) of peristomal skin disorders. Additional risk factors included loop stoma (p = 0.023) and stoma height < 10 mm (p = 0.015). Diabetes mellitus (DM) (p = 0.039) was a significant risk factor for worsening peristomal skin disorders, while stoma height < 10 mm (p = 0.032) was a significant risk factor for severe peristomal skin disorders. These findings underscore the need for continuous support to prevent the development, progression, and exacerbation of peristomal skin disorders.