Short-term outcome of diverting loop ileostomy reversals performed by residents: a retrospective cohort prognostic factor study

Abstract

AimThe reversal of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) is one of surgical trainees’ first procedures. Complications of DLI reversal can cause life-threatening complications and increase patient morbidity. This study compared DLI reversals performed by surgical trainees with those by attending surgeons.MethodThis retrospective cohort study was performed at a single primary care center on 300 patients undergoing DLI reversal. The primary outcome was morbidity, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC), with special attention paid to the surgeon’s level of training. The secondary endpoint was postoperative intestinal motility dysfunction.ResultsSurgical trainees had significantly longer operation times (p < 0.001) than attending surgeons. Univariate analyses revealed no influence on the level of training for postoperative morbidity. First bowel movement later than 3 days after surgery was a significant risk factor for CDC ≥\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\ge$$\\end{document} 3 (OR, 4.348; 96% CI, 1670–11.321; p = 0.003). Independent risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) were an elevated BMI (OR, 1.162; 95% CI, 1.043–1.1294; p = 0.007) and a delayed bowel movement (OR, 3.973; 95% CI, 1.300–12.138; p = 0.015). For postoperative intestinal motility dysfunction, an independent risk factor was a primary malignant disease (OR, 1.980; 95% CI, 1.120–3.500; p = 0.019), and side-to-side stapled anastomosis was a protective factor (OR, 0.337; 95% CI 0.155–0.733; p = 0.006).ConclusionEven though surgical trainees needed significantly more time to perform the surgery, the level of surgical training was not a risk factor for increased postoperative morbidity. Instead, delayed first bowel movement was predictive of SSI.