Nutritional status of patients with colostomy and ileostomy undergoing surgery due to remove colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of cancer patients with colostomy and ileostomy. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. This study was carried out in a Brazilian public health service, with 44 patients with intestinal stomas caused by colorectal cancer. Data was obtained through consultation of medical records, a food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric, nutritional and laboratory tests. Of the 44 patients, 29 underwent colostomy and 15 underwent ileostomy. Arm circumference and arm muscle circumference were significantly smaller in patients that underwent ileostomy (P= 0.004 and P= 0.050, respectively). Biochemical tests showed a similar frequency of lactose intolerance in both groups and the presence of fecal fat only in patients that underwent ileostomy (n=4; 26.7%). No differences were found between groups regarding dietary data; however, low energy and protein intake was identified. Understanding the nutritional status of patients with colostomy and ileostomy is essential to assist in research in the area, clinical, nutritional assessment, and preventing nutritional disorders.