PURPOSE: Defunctioning stoma (DS) has been suggested to mitigate the consequences of anastomotic leak (AL) after low anterior resection. Stoma reversal (SR) is commonly delayed for nonmedical reasons in many healthcare systems. This study investigated the impact of the elapsed time from AR to SR on postoperative 90-day complications. The secondary aim was to explore the independent factors associated with a delayed SR.

M&M: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included rectal cancer patients who underwent anterior resection (AR) and DS between 2014 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the influence of the elapsed time from AR to SR on postoperative complications within 90 days.

RESULTS: Out of 905 patients subjected to AR with DS, 116 (18%) patients experienced at least one postoperative 90-day complication after SR. Multivariable analysis revealed an association between the elapsed time to SR and complications within 90 days from SR (OR 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04). The association with SR complications was further highlighted in patients who experienced delayed SR > 6 months after AR (OR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04-2.86). AL after AR and nodal disease were both related to delayed SR.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that postoperative 90-day complications are associated with the time elapsed to SR. These findings emphasize the importance of early SR, preferably within 6 months, to prevent complications.