OBJECTIVETo summarize the application of protective terminal ileostomy in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer patients, and explore the risk factors associated with postoperative complications and timing of stoma closure.

METHODSClinical data of 77 patients with middle or low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) with preventive terminal ileostomy in our department from January 2007 to December 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent risk factors associated to postoperative complications of terminal ileostomy were examined by logistic regression and timing of stoma closure was investigated.

RESULTThe total postoperative complication morbidity was 57.1% (44/77). Electrolyte disturbance was found in 39 cases (50.6%, 39/77), including 1 case of hypovolemic syncope. Parastomal hernia occurred in 9 cases (11.7%, 9/77). Peristomal dermatitis and subcutaneous abscess was observed in 1 case (1.3%, 1/77). The result of the single factor analysis of the water electrolyte disturbance after operation, the risk factors of P<0.2 were new adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.094), tumor antigen (P=0.086) and TNM staging (P=0.026); Postoperative parastomal hernia of the single factor analysis results, the risk factors of P<0.2 included uses of antidiabetic drugs (P=0.172), ASA anesthesia (P=0.168) grading and TNM stage(P=0.161); But multivariate analysis revealed no risk factors associated with the above complications (all P>0.05). Sixty-five patients underwent stoma closure during follow-up, including 2 cases (3.1%) within 90 days, 20 cases (30.8%) from 90 to 180 days, and 43 cases (66.2%) more than 180 days.

CONCLUSIONSNo risk factors were found to be associated with main postoperative complications of protective terminal ileostomy after laparoscopic TME for rectal cancer patients, such as electrolytes imbalance and parastomal hernia. The timing of stoma closure should be longer than 180 days.