Reconstructive intestinal surgery after open management of severe intraabdominal infection

Open management (OM) of severe intraabdominal infection often is complicated by fistula formation and the need for complex reconstructive procedures. From 1988 to 1998 a series of 145 patients were treated by OM. Of these patients, 24 developed intestinal fistulas and 42 had to be treated by discontinuity resections prior to OM for intestinal perforations or anastomotic insufficiency. Of the patients with fistulas or enterostomies, 61% survived. Reconstructive surgery was performed after infections had completely subsided. Patients were examined on follow-up, and the quality of life was assessed by 36-item short-form health survey questionnaires. Restorative surgery was performed in 32 of 40 patients 102 days (median) after beginning OM. All patients survived. Anastomotic leakage developed in six patients (18%). Thirty patients (94%) were followed up; 70% indicated their quality of life to be good. Despite a higher rate of anastomotic problems than with elective visceral operations, reconstructive intestinal surgery after OM may be performed without mortality and satisfying long-term outcome.