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Is Fecal Diversion Needed in Pelvic Anastomoses During Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)?

Matthew D Whealon1, John V Gahagan1, Sarath Sujatha-Bhaskar1

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA.

Insights

Fecal diversion with a diverting ileostomy significantly reduces anastomotic leaks in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). While reversal may require laparotomy, it is associated with a reduced leak rate.

Area of Science:

  • Surgical Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncologic Surgery

Background:

  • The role of fecal diversion in pelvic anastomosis during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains unclear.
  • Defining optimal surgical strategies for CRS and HIPEC is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of fecal diversion, specifically a diverting ileostomy, on anastomotic leak rates in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC with pelvic anastomosis.
  • To assess the outcomes and complications associated with ileostomy reversal in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review was conducted on 73 patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC between 2009 and 2016.
  • Patients with a pelvic anastomosis were categorized into groups with and without a diverting ileostomy.
  • Anastomotic leak rates, 90-day mortality, hospital stay, and complication rates were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The anastomotic leak rate was significantly lower in the diverting ileostomy group (0%) compared to the no-diversion group (22%) (p < 0.01).
  • The 90-day mortality rate was 7.1% in the no-diversion group.
  • Ileostomy reversal was performed in 68% of patients, with 18% requiring laparotomy and experiencing a 50% complication rate.

Conclusions:

  • Diverting ileostomies are associated with a significantly reduced anastomotic leak rate in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC with pelvic anastomosis.
  • While ileostomy reversal can necessitate laparotomy and carries morbidity, the protective effect against anastomotic leaks is substantial.
Abstract

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