Permanent Stoma Use In Rectal Cancer Surgery In Canada: A Population-Based Analysis.

6622 Background: Sphincter preservation is important for many patients with rectal cancer; avoidance of a permanent stoma (either colostomy or ileostomy) is a well-accepted quality indicator of rectal cancer care. This study describes, at a population level, the frequency of permanent stoma (PS) use in rectal cancer surgery in Canada. In addition, this study examines potential disparities in PS use related to income, geography and immigration status. Methods: Patients undergoing resection for primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum in Canada during fiscal years 2007/08-2011/12 with a valid postal code were included; procedure codes from the discharge abstract database were used to categorize surgery as involving either a permanent stoma (PS), temporary stoma (TS) or no stoma (NS). Income for urban Canada was categorized according to neighbourhood income quintile, and immigration density represented the percentage of immigrant/non-permanent populations living in a dissemination area based on census informatio...