Temporary Fecal Diversion Research Articles

Temporary diverting loop ileostomy in Crohn's disease surgery; indications and outcome.

Crohn's disease can present with complex surgical pathologies, posing a significant risk of morbidity and mortality for patients. The implementation of a loop ileostomy for selected patients may help minimize associated risks. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the utilization of temporary fecal diversion through the creation of a loop ileostomy in Crohn's surgery. Closure of all ostomies involved a hand-sewn single-layer technique. We then conducted bivariate analysis on 30-day outcomes for closures, focusing on favorable recovery defined as the restoration of bowel continuity without the occurrence of two challenges in recovery: newly developed organ dysfunction or the necessity for reoperation. In total, 168 patients were included. The median age of the patients was 38 years (IQR 27-51). The most common indication for a loop ostomy was peritonitis (49%). After ileostomy closure, 163 patients (97%) achieved favorable recovery, while five encountered challenges; four (2.4%) underwent abdominal surgery, and one (0.6%) developed acute renal failure requiring dialysis. Two patients (1.2%) had a re-creation of ileostomy. Patients encountering challenges were older (56 [IQR 41-61] vs. 37 [IQR 27-50]; p 0.039) and more often required secondary intention wound healing (40% vs. 6.7%; p 0.049) and postoperative parenteral nutrition following their index surgery (83% vs. 26%; p 0.006). Selectively staging the Crohn's disease operations with a loop ileostomy is a reliable practice with low morbidity and high restoration rates of bowel continuity. Our hand-sewn single-layer technique proves effective in achieving successful surgical recovery.

Perioperative outcomes of ileorectal anastomosis - an analysis of 823 patients.

Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) following total abdominal colectomy (TAC) allows for resortation of bowel continuity but prior studies have reported rates of anastomotic leak (AL) to be as high as 23%. We aimed to report rates of AL and complications in a large cohort of patients undergoing IRA. We hypothesized that AL rates were lower than previously reported and that selective use of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) is associated with decreased AL rates. Patients undergoing TAC or end-ileostomy reversal with IRA, with or without DLI, between 1980 and 2021 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database and retrospectively analysed. Redo IRA cases were excluded. Short-term (30-day) surgical outcomes were collected using our database. AL was defined using a combination of imaging and, in the case of return to the operating room, intraoperative findings. Of 823 patients in the study cohort, DLI was performed in 27% and performed more frequently for constipation and inflammatory bowel disease. The overall AL rate was 3% (1% and 4% in those with and without DLI, respectively) and diversion was found to be protective against leak (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.94, p = 0.04). However, patients undergoing diversion had a higher overall rate of postoperative complications (51% vs. 36%, p < 0.001) including superficial wound infection, urinary tract infection, dehydration, blood transfusion and portomesenteric venous thrombosis (all p < 0.04). Our study represents the largest series of patients undergoing IRA reported to date and demonstrates an AL rate of 3%. While IRA appears to be a viable surgical option for diverse indications, our study underscores the importance of careful patient selection and thoughtful consideration of staging the anastomosis and temporary faecal diversion when necessary.

Temporary Faecal Diversion for Refractory Perianal and/or Distal Colonic Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: An Updated Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

We evaluated short- and long-term outcomes of temporary faecal diversion [FD] for management of refractory Crohn's disease [CD], focusing on outcomes in the biologic era. Through a systematic literature review until March 15, 2023, we identified 33 studies [19 conducted in the biologic era] that evaluated 1578 patients with perianal and/or distal colonic CD who underwent temporary FD [with intent of restoring bowel continuity] and reported long-term outcomes [primary outcome: successful restoration of bowel continuity, defined as remaining ostomy-free after reconnection at a minimum of 6 months after diversion or at the end of follow-up]. We calculated pooled rates (with 95% confidence interval [CI]) using random effects meta-analysis, and examined factors associated with successful restoration of bowel continuity. Overall, 61% patients [95% CI, 52-68%; 50% in biologic era] experienced clinical improvement after FD. Stoma takedown was attempted in 34% patients [28-41%; 37% in biologic era], 6-18 months after diversion. Among patients where bowel restoration was attempted, 63% patients [54-71%] had successful restoration of bowel continuity, and 26% [20-34%] required re-diversion. Overall, 21% patients [17-27%; 24% in biologic era] who underwent FD were successfully restored; 34% patients [30-39%; 31% in biologic era] required proctectomy with permanent ostomy. On meta-regression, post-diversion biologic use and absence of proctitis was associated with successful bowel restoration after temporary FD in contemporary studies. In the biologic era, temporary FD for refractory perianal and/or distal colonic CD improves symptoms in half the patients, and bowel continuity can be successfully restored in a quarter of patients.

Rectal Injury during Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: An Algorithmic Approach to Prevention and Management.

Penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) is a common procedure for transfeminine patients, with the goal of creating a functional vaginal canal and clitoris and a natural-appearing vulva. Creation of the neovagina requires opening of the prerectal space, most commonly from a perineal approach, and the reported rates of rectal perforation during this dissection range from 3% to 5%. Adult patients who underwent PIV at the authors' institution were identified retrospectively. Demographics, operative information, and postoperative clinical outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record. Ten of 146 patients (6.8%) experienced a rectal injury. All patients underwent an immediate repair (two-layer repair in eight patients, and three-layer repair in two), with two patients subsequently requiring temporary fecal diversion and two requiring muscle flaps (1.4% each). Literature review identified 18 relevant publications, with scarce in-depth analysis of management of initial rectal injuries. The authors' algorithmic approach to rectal injury during PIV is designed to facilitate decision-making based on preoperative preparation, consistent intraoperative monitoring, feasibility of primary repair of the rectum, and a multidisciplinary approach to longitudinal postoperative care. Therapeutic, IV.

Fecal diversion in complex anal fistulas: Is there a way to avoid it?

Temporary fecal diversion by a diverting colostomy or ileostomy is occasionally performed for serious complex fistulas. The main indications are highly complex and extensive cryptoglandular anal fistula, anal fistula associated with severe anorectal Crohn’s disease, recurrent rectovaginal fistula, radiation-induced fistula and anal fistula with associated necrotizing fasciitis. The purpose of stoma formation is to divert the fecal stream away from the anorectum and the perianal region so as to control the infective process and prevent trauma to the operated repaired tissues. Once the fistula has healed, the diverting stoma is closed. However, two questions are relevant. First, is it certain that the same disease would not relapse (or the fistula would not recur) once the colostomy is closed? Second, is there a non-surgical method which can obviate the need for a diverting colostomy? An attempt is made to answer both these questions in this review.

Staged Approaches to Restorative Proctocolectomy with Ileoanal Pouch—When and Why?

Restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch anal-anastomosis (IPAA) is commonly performed for patients with ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected phenotypes of Crohn's disease (CD). Due to concerns about the effects of surgical complications on pouch functional outcomes, debate remains surrounding when and whether RPC with IPAA should be performed in a staged manner. Particularly debated are the timings of the IPAA, whether it is constructed at time of the proctocolectomy and whether to utilize temporary fecal diversion with a loop ileostomy. RPC with IPAA can be performed in one, two, or three stages, with each stage typically separated by 3-6 months. Proponents of a staged approach argue that poor pouch function, which is often a result of IPAA complications, including leak and infection, can be difficult to overcome and mandate additional, major surgeries, and that staging pouch creation and pairing with a protective ileostomy reduce those complications. However, subjecting patients to multiple surgeries and prolonging their time with an ileostomy present unique risks as well. Surgeons' experience and preference and patient characteristics need to be considered when determining operative planning. Highly selected patients with CD can be considered for RPC with IPAA, although with an acknowledgment of inherently higher pouch failure rates. Understanding the short- and long-term consequences of RPC with IPAA construction can help surgeons determine the appropriate approach.

Feasibility and efficacy of ghost ileostomy in typhoid ileal perforations: A prospective observational study.

Loop ileostomy is commonly performed for typhoid ileal perforations as temporary faecal diversion. This is associated with several stoma-related complications and also requires further surgery for its closure. Thus, we were prompted to conduct a prospective observational study on the safety, feasibility and efficacy of ghost ileostomy in typhoid ileal perforations. After dealing with the perforation, a ghost ileostomy was performed in 10 selected patients with favourable circumstances; otherwise, a conventional loop ileostomy was performed in 19 patients. The two groups were comparable (p > 0.05) for morbidity and mortality except for stoma-related complications, seen only in the loop ileostomy group. Body weight was better preserved in the ghost ileostomy group. One patient in the ghost ileostomy group required conversion to loop ileostomy owing to signs of intra-peritoneal suture leak, without any detriment to outcome. Our study shows safety, feasibility and efficacy of ghost ileostomy in selected patients with typhoid ileal perforations, thus avoiding loop ileostomy in one-third of patients.

Frequency and Complications of Ileostomy.

IntroductionIleostomies are life-saving procedures used for temporary fecal diversion in complicated cases of ileal perforation. However, an ileostomy is associated with several complications. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency and complications of ileostomy in the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan.MethodologyWe conducted a longitudinal observational study from July 2019 to July 2020. All patients older than age 12 receiving an ileostomy were included. Patient examinations were conducted on the first postoperative day and were assessed for hemorrhage and necrosis. Examinations were conducted on the seventh postoperative day to assess stoma retraction, stenosis, prolapse, and high-output fistula. Patients were monitored via follow-up in the outpatient clinic every 15 days to record any complications for three months until the reversal was performed. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).ResultA total of 84 patients who received ileostomies were included in the study. Most patients were male (n=62; 73.8%), and 22 were female (26.19%). Of the 84 patients in our study, 34 (40.48%) had tuberculous intestine, 23 (27.38%) had typhoid ileal perforation, 23 (27.38%) were trauma patients, and four patients (4.7%) had gangrenous appendicular perforation. 23 patients (27.3%) were discharged with no complications, and 61 patients (72.69%) developed complications. The most common complication was skin excoriation (19.4%), followed by wound infection (13%), nonfunctioning stoma (11.9%), prolapse and stenosis (6%), retraction (4.7%), high-output fistula (3.5%), parastomal hernia and necrosis (2.3% each), and hemorrhage (1.1%).ConclusionIleostomy is a common and lifesaving surgical diverting procedure. It is still common in our clinic due to late presentation by patients who need the procedure. Complications are common but manageable. Therefore, it is essential to recognize these complications and manage them early to reduce the morbidity of the patients.

P184 Temporary defunctioning ileostomy in therapy refractory Crohn’s colitis: A viable alternative to immediate colorectal resection?

Abstract Background The faecal stream is one of many factors influencing the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. Previous research demonstrated some Crohn’s patients benefit from temporary faecal diversion. This study aims to determine the role of temporary faecal diversion by means of a defunctioning ileostomy in treating patients with therapy refractory Crohn’s colitis. Methods Data were retrieved by retrospectively assessing patient records. All patients receiving a temporary ileostomy for therapy refractory Crohn’s colitis from three Dutch hospitals between 2010 and 2018 were included. Patients with previous colorectal resection or malignancy were excluded. Stoma reversal, permanent stoma and extension of colorectal resection at follow-up were determined as primary outcomes. Results Thirty-six patients received a temporary defunctioning ileostomy for therapy refractory Crohn’s colitis. Stoma reversal was attempted in 20 (56%) patients after a mean period of 1 year of which nine underwent additional resection during stoma reversal. After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, resection was performed in 29 (81%) patients of which 14 (39%) had reduced resection in comparison with the necessary resection at the time of faecal diversion. Among the 14 (39%) patients with restored continuity, three patients remained with full preservation of the colon. Moreover, the presence of proctitis was associated with low stoma reversal rates (p = .007). Conclusion Temporary faecal diversion is associated with reduced resection and reduced risk of permanent ileostomy; therefore, it may be a decent alternative for immediate colorectal resection for patients with isolated Crohn’s colitis. Unfortunately, temporary defunctioning ileostomy is not a viable alternative for resection in Crohn’s patients suffering from proctitis.

Temporary faecal diversion in ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease: is there an impact on long-term surgical recurrence?

Temporary faecal diversion after ileocolic resection (ICR) for Crohn's disease reduces postoperative anastomotic complications in high-risk patients. The aim of this study was to assess if this approach also reduces long-term surgical recurrence. This was a multicentre retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases. Patient demographics, medical and surgical details were collected by three specialist centres. All patients had undergone an ICR between 2000 and 2012. The primary end-point was surgical recurrence. Three hundred and twelve patients (80%) underwent an ICR without covering ileostomy (one stage). Seventy-seven (20%) had undergone an ICR with end ileostomy/double-barrel ileostomy/enterocolostomy followed by closure (two stage). The median follow-up was 105months [interquartile range (IQR) 76-136 months]. The median time to ileostomy closure was 9months (IQR 5-12 months). There was no significant difference in surgical recurrence between the one- and two-stage groups (18% vs 16%, P=0.94). We noted that smokers (20% vs 34%, P=0.01) and patients with penetrating disease (28% vs 52%, P<0.01) were more likely to be defunctioned. A reduced recurrence rate was observed in the small high-risk group of patients who were smokers with penetrating disease behaviour treated with a two-stage strategy (0/10 vs 4/7, P=0.12). Despite having higher baseline risk factors, the results in terms of rate of surgical recurrence over 9years are similar for patients having a two-stage compared with a one-stage procedure.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Sigmoid Loop Colostomy: A Comparative Study from a Cohort of 62 Patients Requiring Temporary Faecal Diversion at a Tertiary Care Center in North India.

Background:Over decades, colostomies have been done through open method, but laparoscopic creation of an intestinal stoma is safe, feasible and has distinct advantages over conventional techniques in specific procedures. The aim of this study compares operative and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open sigmoid loop colostomy formation for temporary fecal diversion.Subjects and Methods:A single institution, comparative study conducted in the department of surgery for patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open sigmoid loop colostomy. The 2 years’ study was from December 1, 2013, to November 30, 2015. Subjects were prospectively enrolled in the study after informed consent, both genders of >12 years of age. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Variables were tested by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, compared using unpaired t-test/Mann–Whitney Test, Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Sixty-two patients were enrolled; laparoscopy group – 29 patients (46.77%) versus open group – 33 patients (53.22%). Laparoscopic group/open surgery group showed less blood loss (20.69 + 17.71 ml / 121.97 + 35.29ml, P-value 0.0005), lower requirement of analgesics (4.28 ± 1.76 days/6.88 ± 2.75 days), shorter hospital stay (8.79 ± 5.57 days and 11.73 ± 6.61 days, P = 0.001), early return of the bowel function and tolerance to diet. Complications and readmission requirement for any complication was lower in the laparoscopic group.Conclusions:Laparoscopic sigmoid loop colostomy is a simple alternative to open sigmoid loop colostomy with respect to postoperative pain, earlier return of bowel function, lower analgesic requirement, and lesser hospital stay.

A simple technique to create spur in loop colostomy

A colostomy is one of the most popular techniques used as a protective maneuver for a distal anastomosis and/or temporary fecal diversion loop colostomy is used mainly for fecal diversion so as to protect the distal bowel. We report a new simple technique for the creation of mucosal spur in between the proximal and distal stoma without using either a tube or skin flap. The essence of this technique is the creation of mucosal spur by placing two additional sutures in the bridge in between the proximal and distal stoma. The placement of sutures creates the spur and helps in defunctioning of distal stoma. Seventeen patients were operated by this technique over a period of 1 year. The creation of the mucosal spur was excellent. There was no requirement of a tube or skin flap in any of the patients in the follow-up. There was no problem of loss of spur over a period. This is a simple technique, which needs few additional sutures apart from the necessary sutures needed for maturation of colostomy.

WOUND INFECTIONS

Background: An intestinal stoma is a surgically created opening of the bowelonto the body surface. Temporary ostomies can be created from small or large bowel in a varietyof manners and serves a valuable role in persons undergoing surgery for acute infectious events,malignancy or trauma. Temporary faecal diversion is recommended with a low colorectal,coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis. Objective: To find the frequency of wound infection followingintestinal stoma closure. Materials and methods: The case series study was conducted insurgical unit Hayatabad medical complex Peshawar over 139 patients between March 2008 toAugust 2009. Closure was done on the next day of admission. Patients were advised to report toOPD if they develop wound infection in between follow up visits. Data were collected using aspecially designed proforma. Results: Out of 139 patients, 104(74.82%) were male and35(25.18%) were female. Colostomy was done in 78(56.1%) patients and ileostomy in 61(43.9%)of patients. Average age was 35.69 years ±16.5SD. There are 11(7.9%) wound infectionobserved during the hospital while at 30th day of post-op follow up decreased to just 3(2.2%).Average hospital stay was 4.96 days ± 2.06SD with a range of 3-10 days. Conclusions: Woundinfection was observed as compared to other national and international studies. Male were threetimes more than females and wound infection was seen more in males.

More Shades of Grey than Black and White: A brief Review of management of Anorectal fistula

Search for ideal treatment of perianal fistula which will fulfill the objectives of low recurrence rate, minimal incontinence and good quality of life continues. Widely used methods for declination of fistula is include examination under anesthesia (EUA), endoanal ultrasound (EUS) and MRI, which is the gold standard. Wide range of procedures have been developed from simple ones such as loose seton to sphincter saving fistular plugs ending with extreme options such as temporary or permanent fecal diversion. Innovative therapeutic techniques such as the use of laser and adipose stem cells have shown some successes but require more advancements and improvements before been accepted in to wider practice. While simple fistulas can be managed without much difficulty options for complex ones need careful selection. Sphincter saving options are widely preferred. Success of Ligation of intersphincteric fistular tract (LIFT) appears to be popular. Endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) is accepted by many as the Gold standard for treatment of recurrent complex anal fistula. Many surgeons judiciously combine different techniques employing them sequentially or simultaneously to enhance success rate and mitigate disadvantages. Repeated operations are performed without much hesitation provided they are sphincter saving as healing can arrive at any stage of the disease. Management of fistulas associated with Crohn’s disease is a particularly complex entity requiring multidisciplinary involvement and multimodality treatment. Research continues seeking more successful options but it appears unlikely that given the variability in presentation and complexity of the disease a single successful method of treatment will ever be found for management of perianal fistula.

The Role of Temporary Fecal Diversion.

The use of temporary fecal diversion is of great importance to tenuous anastomosis, immunosuppressed patient, or actively infected patient. Its use protects newly constructed intestinal anastomoses from being the culprit of pelvic sepsis or systemic illness. Thus, potential morbidity and mortality can be averted. However, its appropriate or optimal use is often debated. We herein discuss the evidence for when to best use a diverting stoma for colorectal, coloanal, and ileoanal anastomoses. We also discuss the importance of considering a temporary diverting stoma in the setting of high-dose immunosuppression (e.g., transplant patients or inflammatory bowel disease), active infection, or upon creation of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Lastly, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a loop ileostomy versus colostomy for temporary diversion of fecal contents.

Temporary Fecal Diversion for Colonic And/Or Perianal Crohnʼs Disease

Temporary Fecal Diversion for Colonic And/Or Perianal Crohnʼs Disease

Systematic review with meta-analysis: faecal diversion for management of perianal Crohn's disease.

Temporary faecal diversion is sometimes used for management of refractory perianal Crohn's disease (CD) with variable success. To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term outcomes and factors associated with success of temporary faecal diversion for perianal CD. Through a systematic literature review through 15 July 2015, we identified 16 cohort studies (556 patients) reporting outcomes after temporary faecal diversion. We estimated pooled rates [with 95% confidence interval (CI)] of early clinical response, attempted and successful restoration of bowel continuity after temporary faecal diversion (without symptomatic relapse), and rates of re-diversion (in patients with attempted restoration) and proctectomy (with or without colectomy and end-ileostomy). We identified factors associated with successful restoration of bowel continuity. On meta-analysis, 63.8% (95% CI: 54.1-72.5) of patients had early clinical response after faecal diversion for refractory perianal CD. Restoration of bowel continuity was attempted in 34.5% (95% CI: 27.0-42.8) of patients, and was successful in only 16.6% (95% CI: 11.8-22.9). Of those in whom restoration was attempted, 26.5% (95% CI: 14.1-44.2) required re-diversion because of severe relapse. Overall, 41.6% (95% CI: 32.6-51.2) of patients required proctectomy after failure of temporary faecal diversion. There was no difference in the successful restoration of bowel continuity after temporary faecal diversion in the pre-biological or biological era (13.7% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.60), in part due to selection bias. Absence of rectal involvement was the most consistent factor associated with restoration of bowel continuity. Temporary faecal diversion may improve symptoms in approximately two-thirds of patients with refractory perianal Crohn's disease, but bowel restoration is successful in only 17% of patients.

Temporary fecal diversion in the management of colorectal and perianal Crohn's disease.

Aim. To evaluate the results of temporary fecal diversion in colorectal and perianal Crohn's disease. Method. We retrospectively identified 29 consecutive patients (14 females, 15 males; median age: 30.0 years, range: 18–76) undergoing temporary fecal diversion for colorectal (n = 14), ileal (n = 4), and/or perianal Crohn's disease (n = 22). Follow-up was in median 33.0 (3–103) months. Response to fecal diversion, rate of stoma reversal, and relapse rate after stoma reversal were recorded. Results. The response to temporary fecal diversion was complete remission in 4/29 (13.8%), partial remission in 12/29 (41.4%), no change in 7/29 (24.1%), and progress in 6/29 (20.7%). Stoma reversal was performed in 19 out of 25 patients (76%) available for follow-up. Of these, the majority (15/19, 78.9%) needed further surgical therapies for a relapse of the same pathology previously leading to temporary fecal diversion, including colorectal resections (10/19, 52.6%) and creation of a definitive stoma (7/19, 36.8%). At the end of follow-up, only 4/25 patients (16%) had a stable course without the need for further definitive surgery. Conclusion. Temporary fecal diversion can induce remission in otherwise refractory colorectal or perianal Crohn's disease, but the chance of enduring remission after stoma reversal is low.

Factors affecting the fate of faecal diversion in patients with perianal Crohn's disease.

A study was carried out with the aim of identifying potential factors which might influence the fate of patients undergoing faecal diversion by stoma in perianal Crohn's disease. Patients with severe perianal Crohn's disease undergoing faecal diversion between 1994 and 2012 were identified and the factors associated with stoma closure were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Of 138 diverted patients, 30 (22%) achieved stoma closure, 45 (33%) had a stoma with the rectum left in situ and 63 (45%) underwent proctectomy with permanent stoma formation after a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. Univariate analysis demonstrated that synchronous colonic (P = 0.004) or rectal (P = 0.021) disease involvement and an increased frequency of loose seton placement (P = 0.001) adversely affected successful stoma closure rates. Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association between the inability to achieve stoma closure and persisting rectal involvement (OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.4-33.4), one or two placements of a loose seton (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-8.8) and more than two placements (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.2-132.5). No specific medical management was associated with an improved stoma closure rate, including biological agents when these were available (P = 0.25). The fate of temporary faecal diversion in patients with perianal Crohn's disease is adversely affected by aggressive disease characteristics. No particular treatment, including biological therapy, was associated with an improved outcome.

Natural history of perianal Crohn's disease after fecal diversion.

Temporary fecal diversion has been used to allow severe perianal Crohn's disease (CD) to heal. Most data on intestinal reconnection rates precede the biological era with limited patient follow-up after reconnection. We, therefore, sought to evaluate the natural history of perianal CD after fecal diversion. We identified 49 patients with CD and perianal involvement who underwent fecal diversion between 1991 and 2011 at a tertiary referral care center. Demographics, medication use, onset and extent of disease, and surgical interventions were abstracted. We determined the percentage of patients who were able to restore intestinal continuity and assessed the sustainability of this reversal. Time to intestinal reconnection and subsequent procedures were determined. We also examined temporal trends in the proportion of patients with perianal CD undergoing diversion or management with seton/EUA/fistulotomy between 2000 and 2011. Fifteen of 49 patients (31%) reestablished intestinal continuity during the study follow-up period. Ten of 15 patients (67%) who had reestablished intestinal continuity required an additional procedure to divert the fecal stream. Of the 5 patients who remained reconnected, 3 patients required further procedures to control sepsis. The proportion of patients with CD requiring perianal surgical interventions declined between 2000 and 2011. Severe perianal CD remains a challenging problem. In patients with CD with perianal disease requiring fecal diversion, the likelihood of sustained intestinal continuity remains low, despite greater biological use. However, there has been a temporal decline in the rate of surgical interventions required for perianal CD from 2000 to 2011.