What is the risk of permanent stoma beyond 5 years after low anterior resection for rectal cancer? A 15-year follow-up of a randomized trial

Aim Low anterior resection of the rectum for cancer (LAR) entails a risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage as well as impaired anorectal function, both of which may eventually result in the need for a permanent stoma (PS). The aim was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for PS beyond 5 years following LAR. Methods Patients undergoing LAR and included in a multicentre trial with randomization to defunctioning stoma or not were followed for a median of 15 years. The reasons for a PS up to 5 years (PS <= 5 years) and beyond 5 years (PS > 5 years) were identified and compared. Risk factors for PS were analysed. Results Of all patients, 25% (57/232) had a PS. PS <= 5 years occurred in 19% (44/232) at a median of 12.5 months and PS > 5 years in 6% (13/232) at a median of 118 months following LAR. The main reason for PS <= 5 years was impaired anorectal function in 55% (24/44) and the main reason for PS > 5 years was pelvic sepsis related to the colorectal anastomosis in 46% (6/13). The major risk factor for PS was symptomatic anastomotic leakage, which occurred in 56% (32/57) of patients with PS and 10% (17/175) of patients without PS (P < 0.001). Conclusion One-fourth of the patients who ended up with a PS had it fashioned beyond 5 years at a median of 10 years following LAR. Symptomatic anastomotic leakage was the major risk factor for PS, and impaired anorectal function was the main overall reason for a PS.