The prevalence of fascial defects at prior stoma sites in patients with colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: Stoma reversal sites are a common location for incisional hernias. We aim to evaluate fascial defects at previous stoma sites in patients with a history of colorectal cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study from a single center. We included adult patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, who underwent stoma reversal from 2011 to 2018 with at least one postoperative computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Of 92 patients, 40 (43%) were female, with a mean age of 58 years. Fascial defects were noted in 45 (49%) patients, with stoma-site hernias present in 24 (26%) patients. Posterior sheath defects were not associated with subsequent hernia development, and most hernias occurred within 2 years. Body mass index >30 was associated with increased risk of stoma-site hernia (odds ratio 11.9, P = 0.002), but smoking, hypertension, stoma type, pathologic stage, and chemotherapy within 90 days were not found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of stoma-site hernias is high. Obesity appears to be a significant risk factor for the development of these hernias and most hernias occur quickly following surgery.