Thai-Hau Koo, Gastrointestinal Function and Motility Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Xue-Bin Leong, Yi-Lin Lee, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Hazeman Zakaria, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
Firdaus Hayati, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia
Andee Dzulkarnaen Zakaria, Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
Co-first authors: Thai-Hau Koo and Xue-Bin Leong.
Author contributions: Koo TH and Leong XB contribute equally to this study as co-first authors; Koo TH, Leong XB, Lee YL, Hayati F, Zakaria MH, and Zakaria AD contributed to this paper; Koo TH, Hayati F, and Zakaria AD designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Leong XB, Lee YL, and Zakaria MH contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Koo TH, Leong XB, Lee YL, Zakaria MH, and Zakaria AD contributed to the writing, and editing the manuscript, illustrations, and review of literature; and all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Andee Dzulkarnaen Zakaria, MD, Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital, Jalan Raja Perempuan Zainab 2, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia. andee@usm.my
Received: December 4, 2024 Revised: March 29, 2025 Accepted: May 15, 2025 Published online: October 27, 2025 Processing time: 325 Days and 18.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Laparoscopic intracorporeal anastomosis (LIA) presents a promising advancement for ileostomy reversal in patients with Crohn’s disease, offering faster recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and suitability for obese patients. This manuscript highlights challenges such as technical complexities and patient selection, emphasizing the need for advanced training and standardized protocols. Exclusive enteral nutrition further enhances the outcomes by promoting mucosal healing and reducing inflammation. Innovations such as 3D-printed models and robotic assistance can improve LIA adoption, bridge skill gaps, and reduce costs. These findings underscore the potential of LIA to revolutionize surgical care and optimize outcomes for this unique patient population.
