Laparoscopic Stoma Creation and Reversal

Abstract

Laparoscopic stoma creation and reversal has multiple advantages over the conventional techniques: an excellent view of the entire cavity, staging of diseases, thorough evaluation of the entire small bowel and colon, enterolysis, and biopsy. The rapid recovery that can be expected after laparoscopic stoma creation can also be seen after laparoscopic stoma reversal. The avoidance of reopening a laparotomy incision coupled with the potential for less handling of the bowel despite equally extensive enterolysis may contribute to these advantages. Both laparoscopic stoma creation and reversal should be considered in every patient scheduled to undergo these procedures. With very rare exceptions, patients are offered these operations by laparotomy instead.