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.