Challenges of Managing Emergency Ileostomy: Nutrition—A Neglected Aspect

Abstract

Objective. The present study was carried out with an aim to study the nutritional status of patients undergoing emergency ileostomy using simple bedside tools in a developing country.Methods. Nutritional assessment (anthropometry, biochemical, immunological, and dietary) was done within 24–36 hours of admission and 6 weeks postoperatively. Primary endpoint was the study of the nutritional status of the patients with ileostomy.Results. , 47 males with mean age 32 years. Postoperatively 50 (86.2%) patients experienced some complications including those related to ileostomy. Malnutrition varied from 7 (12.1%) using BMI to 54 (93.1%) by triceps skinfold thickness. At 6 weeks, despite adequate nutritional intake, there was a significant decrease in almost all nutritional parameters except serum albumin which was normal in most patients. Factors contributing to weight loss in 41 (70.7%) patients were decreased length of proximal bowel left (), increased ileostomy output (), delayed surgery (), and increased disease severity score ().Conclusion. Majority of patients undergoing emergency ileostomy were malnourished and had significant nutritional depletion despite adequate nutritional support. Serial assessment helps to assess nutritional recovery in these patients.