Hospital readmissions are common following the creation of an ileostomy, which is associated with a high clinical and financial burden. The present study determined the incidence of dehydration-related and all-cause readmissions after the formation of an ileostomy and the associated costs.

It conducted a systematic literature search for studies reporting dehydration-related and overall readmission rates after forming a loop or end ileostomy between January 1990 and April 2021.

The study observed-

• Seventy-one studies, with 82,451 patients in search.
• The pooled incidence of readmissions due to dehydration as 6% within 30 days, with an all-cause readmission rate of 20%.
• Duration of readmissions for dehydration as 2.5 to 9 days.
• Average costs of dehydration-related readmission between $2750 and $5924 per patient.
• Fifteen studies dictated other indications for readmission within 30 days, with a pooled incidence of 5% for dehydration, 4% for stoma outlet problems, and 4% for infections.

This study shows that one in every five patients is readmitted with a stoma-related complication within 30 days of the creation of an ileostomy. Dehydration remains the leading cause of these readmissions, occurring in 6% of all patients within 30 days. These consequences are associated with high healthcare costs for a potentially avoidable cause. Hence, better monitoring, patient awareness, and preventive measures remain crucial.

Vogel I, Shinkwin M, van der Storm SL et al. Overall readmissions and readmissions related to dehydration after creation of an ileostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tech Coloproctol. 2022; 26:333–349. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10151-022-02580-6