Satisfactory short-term outcome of total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal in obese patients: a comparative study with open techniques

Reversal of loop ileostomy after colorectal surgery in obese patients can be challenging and total laparoscopic (TLAP) approach may be beneficial. This study aims to compare short-term outcomes of TLAP and open approaches in obese patients undergoing loop ileostomy reversal after laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery. A retrospective review was performed for consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery previously and underwent loop ileostomy reversal between January 2017 and April 2020. TLAP and open cases performed in obese patients were identified and compared for the following outcomes: baseline characteristics, operative outcomes, postoperative recovery, and postoperative complications. TLAP or open-loop ileostomy reversal was performed on 30 and 34 patients, respectively. TLAP approach was associated with a similar operation time and blood loss compared with an open approach (P > 0.05). The median length of incision for stoma removal was significantly shorter in the TLAP group than in the open group (6.5 cm vs.8.5 cm;P < 0.05), and a lower incidence of incisional infection was also noted in the TLAP group (6.7% vs.26.5%;P < 0.05). The groups were comparable as regards the time to ground activities and length of hospitalization (P > 0.05), but the time to first flatus was decreased (2.0 vs.3.0 days;P < 0.05). This retrospective study demonstrated that TLAP loop ileostomy reversal may have a satisfactory short-term outcome for obese patients after laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery, with a shorter incisional length and a lower incidence of incisional infection as well as an earlier time to first flatus.