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Peristomal skin complications also present economic consequences

Peristomal skin complications, the most common postoperative adverse event following stoma creation, cause significant economic consequences in addition to patient concerns, according to recent study results.

In a population-based, cost-modeling study, researchers interviewed 11 stoma care nurses from nine countries to form a treatment algorithm and the basis of cost estimates for peristomal skin complications (PSC). France was used as the country of reference. Estimated treatment costs for severe cases of PSC were increased 2- to 5-fold for varying diagnostic categories of PSC compared with milder cases.

The model was based on contributions from three stoma panels that used the standardized assessment Ostomy Skin Tool as a reference for determining diagnosis categorization, severity, care and expenses. Researchers then used the model to assess data from 3,017 stoma patients across 18 countries. A 7-week treatment period was determined based on a previous study indicating that PSC improvements generally require 6 to 8 weeks of treatment.

Researchers estimated the seven-week treatment costs, including appliances and accessories, at 263 euros for those with PSC (n=1,742) compared with 215 euros for those without PSC (n=1,172). A covariance analysis showed that complications from leakage had a statistically significant impact on PSC costs from “rarely/never” to “always/often” (P<.00001) with an average cost differential of 29 euros and from “rarely/never” to “sometimes” (P=.0115) with an estimated increase of 11 euros.

“The consequences of PSCs are substantial, both from the patient and the health economy viewpoint,” the researchers concluded. “The extent of the problem warrants a major focus on methods to minimize the risk, detect PSCs at an early stage and institute optimal treatment to prevent long-term, debilitating and expensive complications.”

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant disclosures.