Overall readmissions and readmissions related to dehydration after creation of an ileostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Hospital readmissions after creation of an ileostomy are common and come with a high clinical and financial burden. The aim of this review with pooled analysis was to determine the incidence of dehydration-related and all-cause readmissions after formation of an ileostomy, and the associated costs. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies reporting on dehydration-related and overall readmission rates after formation of a loop or end ileostomy between January 1990 and April 2021. Analyses were performed using R Statistical Software Version 3.6.1. Results: The search yielded 71 studies (n = 82,451 patients). The pooled incidence of readmissions due to dehydration was 6% (95% CI 0.04–0.09) within 30 days, with an all-cause readmission rate of 20% (CI 95% 0.18–0.23). Duration of readmissions for dehydration ranged from 2.5 to 9 days. Average costs of dehydration-related readmission were between $2750 and $5924 per patient. Other indications for readmission within 30 days were specified in 15 studies, with a pooled incidence of 5% (95% CI 0.02–0.14) for dehydration, 4% (95% CI 0.02–0.08) for stoma outlet problems, and 4% (95% CI 0.02–0.09) for infections. Conclusions: One in five patients are readmitted with a stoma-related complication within 30 days of creation of an ileostomy. Dehydration is the leading cause for these readmissions, occurring in 6% of all patients within 30 days. This comes with high health care cost for a potentially avoidable cause. Better monitoring, patient awareness and preventive measures are required.