DOP62 Morbidity after primary ileocecal resection for Crohn’s disease in the years of biologics: Lesson learned over 631 patients exclusively treated in a tertiary centre

Abstract

Abstract Background Several risk factors for morbidity after surgery for Crohn’s disease of the terminal ileum have already been identified. However, the study population is rarely homogeneous, due to high-volume centres receiving patients treated in other hospitals with diverging medical protocols and different thresholds for surgical referral. A study including only patients undergoing homogeneous perioperative treatment in a single referral centre might reduce the selection bias. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for minor (Clavien-Dindo ≤2) and major (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) postoperative complications in patients who received medical treatment and surgery in a single centre. Methods Retrospective analysis of ileocecal resections for Crohn’s disease in biological era (2004–2019). Recurrence was excluded. Risk factors for minor and major complications were identified through univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Variables were selected by univariate analysis with p < 0.2 criteria, then a stepwise selection with entry criteria p = 0.05 and stay criteria p = 0.1. Results Of 631 patients included (59.4% male, median age 37 years), 214 (34%) had previous surgery and 152 (24.1%) biologics. Laparoscopy was feasible in 35.9% of cases, 285 patients (45.1%) required surgery on other bowel sites due to multiple locations or fistulae. 281 (44.5%) patients presented with fistulizing disease. Risk factors for 90-day minor complications (22.8%). Risk factors for 90-day major complications (6.8%). Conclusion Risk of minor complications was higher in younger patients, especially after a longer medical treatment. Fistulating disease increases the risks only if the rectum and sigmoid colon are involved. Major complications seem to be related to specific patient’s comorbidities, rather than disease characteristics. Onset of hypertension and neuro-vascular disease, known adverse events of chronic steroid use, should not be underestimated in the preoperative assessment of patients. Poor nutritional status greatly increased the risk of minor and major complications; therefore, any effort should be made towards the nutritional optimisation of Crohn’s patients