Decisions in Diversion: Enterostomy vs. Primary Anastomosis for Colonic Atresia

Colonic atresia (CA) is associated with Hirschsprung disease (HD) in up to 10% of cases. Therefore, some surgeons elect to complete proximal diversion at the initial operation. We sought to better define the incidence of concurrent HD and evaluate practice patterns regarding diversion for CA.

The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was used to identify patients with CA from 2013 to 2022. Patients with small bowel atresia, anorectal malformation, gastroschisis, or first operation after 14 days of age were excluded. Index and subsequent operations were defined. Complications, time to enterostomy closure, and unplanned operations were evaluated.

HD was diagnosed in 8 (9.5%) patients and 7 of these were initially diverted. Diverted and anastomosed patients were demographically similar. In the 58 (69%) patients initially diverted, 19 (33%) had an ileostomy. Continuity was restored with an ileo-colic anastomosis in 63% of diverted and 27% of primarily anastomosed patients. Of those initially managed with a colostomy, 53% ultimately had a colo-colonic anastomosis. Patients with primary anastomoses had fewer operations and received more days of parenteral nutrition. Other outcomes did not vary.

In a large population of infants with CA, 9.5% had concurrent HD. Almost 70% of CA patients underwent initial diversion and only one with HD had a primary anastomosis. Patients managed with a primary anastomosis were substantially more likely to retain the proximal colonic segment, but had a similar incidence of complications. When intraoperative colonic biopsies are obtained, primary anastomosis is a safe and effective strategy for CA.