Minimally invasive surgery and stoma-related complications after restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. A two-centre comparison with open approach.

BACKGROUND

Although the creation of a stoma reduces the risk of septic pouch complications following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), the stoma itself and its reversal can give rise to substantial morbidity during the two- or three-stage concept. Aim of study is to compare stoma-related complications in Ulcerative Colitis patients undergoing laparoscopic versus open IPAA.

METHODS

We collected data on 250 IPAA patients from two Italian Centres between 2005 and 2015. We compared perioperative and postoperative events in 150 open vs 100 laparoscopic IPAA. We performed a case-matched analysis based on baseline differences among groups to compare the rate of mechanical complications.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between open and laparoscopic IPAA in overall stoma complications (complications during ileostomy: 11.3% vs 12%,p = 0.8; early complications: 10% vs 8%,p = 0.5; late complications: 12.6% vs 6%,p = 0.08). The case-matched analysis found a slightly reduced incidence of obstructive complications at any stage with laparoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall stoma related complications do not seem to be reduced by minimally-invasive approach itself, but patients might experience less mechanical problems with laparoscopy without conversion.