Preliminary results of Polish national multicenter study on colostomy reversal – LICO (Liquidation of Colostomy) study

Introduction
Creation of colostomy is still a commonly performed procedure in emergency settings, when intestinal anastomosis cannot be performed safely. Reversing a stoma has been linked with high rates of morbidity and also mortality.

Aim
The primary goal of the study was to identify the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing colostomy liquidation. The secondary goal was to assess perioperative care parameters.

Material and methods
The LIquidation of COlostomy (LICO) study is an open multicenter prospective cohort study that began in October 2022 and will continue until December 2023. Data from 20 Polish surgical departments were collected. Overall 45 patients were reported over the initial 3 months; based on that group we performed a preliminary analysis. 

Results
Mean operative time was 163 min. Patients were operated on by specialists in 93.3% of cases. Complications occurred in 15 (33.3%) patients. Wound infection was the most common complication (17.8%). In 3 (6.7%) cases anastomotic leakage was diagnosed, and in 2 of those cases reoperation was required. The overall mortality rate was 2.2%. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.1 days. Preoperative fasting was used in 53.3% of patients, and the mechanical bowel preparation rate was 75.6%. Only in 8.9% of cases was laparoscopic access used for stoma reversal, and only in 1 out of 45 cases was mesh used for incisional peristomal hernia prophylactics. The stoma site was closed by single sutures in 73.3%, and negative pressure assisted closure was performed in 6.7% of patients.

Conclusions
Colostomy liquidation is associated with significant morbidity and minor mortality in the Polish population. Standardized perioperative care should be established for stoma reversal surgery.