Risk factors of permanent stomas in patients with rectal cancer after low anterior resection with temporary stomas

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors influencing permanent stomas after low anterior resection with temporary stomas for rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 2528 consecutive rectal cancer patients who had undergone low anterior resection were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for permanent stomas were evaluated among these patients. Results: Among 2528 cases of rectal cancer, a total of 231 patients had a temporary diverting stoma. Among these cases, 217 (93.9%) received a stoma reversal. The median period between primary surgery and stoma reversal was 7.5 months. The temporary and permanent stoma groups consisted of 203 and 28 patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for permanent stomas were anastomotic-related complications (p=0.001) and local recurrence (p=0.001). The 5-year overall survival for the temporary and permanent stoma groups were 87.0% and 70.5%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Rectal cancer patients who have temporary stomas after low anterior resection with local recurrence and anastomotic-related complications may be at increased risk for permanent stoma.