Large variation in the use of defunctioning stomas after rectal cancer surgery. A lack of consensus.

Background And Objectives: When deciding about the use of a defunctioning stoma in rectal cancer surgery, benefits and risks need to be weighed. This study investigated: (1a) factors associated with the use of defunctioning stomas; (1b) hospital variation; and (2) surgeons' perceptions regarding factors that determine this decision.

Methods: Population-based data from the Dutch Surgical Colorectal Audit were used.