Laparoscopic vs open surgery in ileostomy reversal in Crohn’s disease: A retrospective study

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery for ileostomy reversal (IR) have attracted increasing attention, although relatively few studies have investigated the benefits of IR for patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Research motivation

It is worthwhile to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of laparoscopy for patients with CD.

Research objectives

To compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic IR (LIR) vs open IR (OIR) for treatment of CD.

Research methods

The baseline characteristics, operative data, and short-term (30-d) and long-term outcomes of patients with CD who underwent LIR and OIR between January 2017 and January 2020 were retrieved from an electronic database and retrospectively reviewed.

Research results

A total of 60 eligible patients were enrolled into the study, including 48 in the LIR group and 12 in the OIR group. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics, operative data, or short-term and long-term outcomes between the two groups. However, patients in the LIR group more frequently required lysis of adhesions as compared to those in the OIR group. Notably, following exclusion of patients who underwent enterectomy plus IR, OIR was more advantageous in terms of postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function and hospitalization costs.

Research conclusions

The safety and feasibility of LIR for the treatment of CD are comparable to those of OIR with no increase in intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Research perspectives

LIR is feasible and safe for the treatment of CD patients with IR, and the short-term and long-term results are similar to those of OIR, thus further studies are warranted. In view of the fact that this is a retrospective study with a small sample size, larger prospective trials are required to further confirm these findings.