Challenges in restoring bowel continuity: An analysis of 91 patients undergoing a reversal procedure

Introduction: The restoration of bowel continuity is associated with significant postoperative morbidity. Aim: The aim of the study was to report the outcomes of restoring intestinal continuity in a large patient cohort. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 91 patients with terminal stoma who were qualified for restoration of GI tract continuity between January 2015 and March 2020. The following demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed: age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, indication for stoma creation, operative time, the need for blood replacement, the site and type of the anastomosis, and complication and mortality rates. Results: The study group was comprised of 40 women (44%) and 51 men (56%). The mean BMI was 26.8 +/- 4.9 kg/m2. Only 29.7% of the patients (n = 27) were at normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9) and only 11% (n = 10) did not suffer from any comorbidities. The most common indications for index surgery were complicated diverticulitis (37.4%) and colorectal cancer (21.9%). The stapled technique was used in the majority of patients (n = 79, 87%). The mean operative time was 191.7 +/- 71.4 min. Nine patients (9.9%) required blood replacement peri- or postoperatively, whereas 3 patients (3.3%) required intensive care unit admission. The overall surgical complication rate was 36.2% (n = 33) and the mortality rate was 1.1% (n = 1). Discussion: Restoration of bowel continuity is quite a demanding and complex procedure and thus should be performed by an experienced surgical team. In the majority of patients, the complication rate represents only minor complications. The morbidity and mortality rates are acceptable and comparable to other publications.