Study of Daily Efferent Loop Stimulation Before Ileostomy Closure to Improve Recovery at La Paz University Hospital

What this Trial Is About

Stoma creation is a common surgical procedure used mainly in colorectal and emergency surgeries to divert intestinal contents. Although this procedure can save lives, it often causes physical, aesthetic, and psychological impacts on patients. Temporary stomas require a second surgery to close the ileostomy and restore normal bowel function. Research suggests that stimulating the efferent limb before ileostomy closure may improve postoperative recovery, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays. This study aims to implement and evaluate such a stimulation protocol at Hospital Universitario La Paz, where no formal protocol currently exists. The study involves two patient groups a control group with retrospective data from those who did not receive any preoperative stimulation, and an intervention group receiving daily stimulation of the efferent limb for at least two weeks before surgery. This stimulation uses a saline solution combined with a thickening agent, applied by patients at home following training. Support includes physical consultations, telephone check-ins every 48 hours, and email access. The goal is to recondition the excluded colon to enhance recovery after ileostomy closure. Participants will be monitored from surgery until discharge, with the main outcome measuring the length of hospital stay within 30 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include rates of paralytic ileus, diarrhea, surgical site infections, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein during postoperative hospital stay. The study also assesses protocol adherence and feasibility. The total participation duration and follow-up span about two years, ensuring careful evaluation of benefits and safety of the stimulation protocol.

Implementation of an Efferent Loop Stimulation Protocol Prior to Ileostomy Closure at La Paz University Hospital