Transverse Colostomy Differs in Outcomes Compared to Sigmoid Colostomy: A Cohort Analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Our aim was to identify any differences in outcomes following transverse versus sigmoid colostomy creation for management of cancer.

Methods

Transverse and sigmoid colostomies are used to manage cancer-related complications including obstruction, perforation, and fistulation. The decision to use either colostomy is largely based on the surgeon’s preference and the location of the cancer complication. All patients treated for cancer complications with the use of a sigmoid or transverse colostomy at National University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2016 were included. Patient characteristics and distribution frequencies were reported based on the operation performed. Post procedure morbidity and mortality was compared. Univariate and subgroup analysis were performed.

Results

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 93 patients who underwent a colostomy creation over a 5-year duration. Of the 93 patients included, 56 underwent a transverse colostomy (median age 59, 26 male, 30 female) and 37 a sigmoid colostomy (median age 64, 20 male, 17 female). According to univariate analysis, higher rates of stoma prolapse were seen patients with transverse colostomies. There were no differences in complications between a laparoscopic or open approach. There were no differences in the rate of other postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Sigmoid colostomies were associated with a lower prolapse rate compared to transverse colostomies for cancer management. The manner of surgical approach did not affect rate of postoperative complications.

Keywords:

• Colostomy
• stoma complications
• colorectal cancer

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

IRB approval obtained. DSRB: 2015/00555

Research has been approved and Institution Review Board has been obtained. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study formal consent is not required.

Code availability

All analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Advanced Statistics v23.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.