Published in:
01-02-2013 | 2012 SSAT Quick Shot Presentation
Hospital Readmission for Fluid and Electrolyte Abnormalities Following Ileostomy Construction: Preventable or Unpredictable?
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 2/2013
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Background
Ileostomy creation has complications, including rehospitalization for fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Although studies have identified predictors of this morbidity, readmission rates remain high.
Methods
The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with ileostomy creation at a tertiary institution from January 2008 to June 2011.
Results
One hundred fifty-four patients (154) were included in this study; 71 (46.1 %) were female. Mean age was 49 ± 17.64 (range 16–91), and mean BMI was 26.9 ± 6.44 (range 13–52). The readmission rate for fluid and electrolyte abnormalities was 20.1 % for the study population; of those readmitted for all diagnoses, dehydration accounted for 40.7 % of all readmissions. Cancer was associated with readmission (χ
2 = 4.73, p = 0.03) as was neoadjuvant therapy (χ
2 = 9.20, p = 0.01). After multivariate analysis, only the use of anti-diarrheals and neoadjuvant therapy remained significant. High stoma output, adjuvant treatment, and postoperative complications were not significant.
Conclusions
Our study found that the use of anti-diarrheals and neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer were associated with readmission. Our findings imply that the use of anti-diarrheals may be a marker for patients at risk for fluid and electrolyte abnormalities; these patients should be strictly monitored at home. Our study also suggests consideration of avoidance of ileostomy creation or different discharge criteria for at-risk patients. Prospective studies focused on stoma monitoring after discharge may help reduce rehospitalizations for fluid and electrolyte abnormalities after ileostomy creation.