Preoperative factors influence risk of permanent stoma after surgery

A study involving 639 rectal cancer patients identified key preoperative risk factors for permanent stoma post-sphincter-preserving surgery. Notably, 11.9% of patients developed a permanent stoma within two years. Factors such as male sex, tumor height, and the presence of synchronous liver or lung metastases were linked to a higher likelihood of stoma permanence. Furthermore, patients with anastomotic leakage had reduced rates of stoma closure, emphasizing the need for tailored preoperative discussions.