Improving Patient Outcomes

Patients with severe intestinal disease such as colorectal cancer and IBD are sometimes given an ileostomy as part of their treatment. This can often result in instances of acute or chronic dehydration, which may lead to hospital readmission or even kidney injury. Oral rehydration supplements can be an effective preventative treatment for these patients, though there is limited data on outcomes. For this reason, Assistant Professor Levi Teigen is exploring how oral rehydration solutions can decrease instances of hospital readmission in this patient population, reducing complications and improving quality of life.