Diverting Stoma Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery.

Abstract Background: A consensus regarding diverting stoma (DS) construction in rectal cancer surgery was reached to avoid reoperation related to anastomotic leakage. However, the incidence of stoma-related complications (SRCs) remains high. In this study, we aimed to examine the perioperative outcomes of DS construction in patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.Methods: Between 2005 and 2017, we included 400 participants who underwent radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer. These participants were divided into two groups: DS (+) and DS (-) groups, and the outcomes, including postoperative complications (POCs), were compared.Results and conclusion: The incidence of ileus was higher in the DS (+) group (P<0.01); however, no patient showed anastomotic leakage of grade3. Furthermore, early SRCs were observed in 33 patients (21.6%) and bowel obstruction -related stoma outlet syndrome occurred in 19 patients (12.4%). There was no intergroup difference in the incidence of grade 3b POCs. However, the most common reason for reoperation was different in the two groups: anastomotic leakage in 91.7% of patients with 3b POCs in the DS (-) group, and SRCs in 85.7% of patients with 3b POCs in the DS (+) group.In patients with DS, there was an increase in the incidence of overall POCs, severe POCs (grade 3), and bowel obstruction, including stoma outlet syndrome, compared to patients without DS. Therefore, it is important to construct an appropriate DS to avoid SRCs and to be more selective in assigning patients for DS construction.