Morbidity and reversal rate of ileostomy after bowel resection during Visceral-Peritoneal Debulking (VPD) in patients with stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer

Objective To investigate the morbidity of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) performed during Visceral Peritoneal Debulking (VPD) for stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer and to report the rate, timing, and morbidity of DLI reversal. Methods We retrieved the data of all consecutive patients who underwent sigmoid-rectum resection (SRR) followed by DLI. Morbidity was defined as any surgical/medical complications clearly correlated to the DLI. The reversal rate of DLI was defined as the number of patients who had the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract restored in the study period. Finally, we recorded the timing and the morbidity of the reversal surgery. Factors associated with non-reversal of DLI were reported. Results In the study period (01/2010–09/2016), complete data were available for 47 patients. Stoma-related complications occurred in 22 patients (46.8%). Eight patients (17.0%) were readmitted within 30 days from surgery. Thirty-two patients (68.1%) had their stoma reversed. The primary cause of non-reversal was tumor recurrence/progression (7/15, 46.7%). Patient's age, length of hospitalization, complications after VPD were associated with non-reversal of DLI. The mean time from DLI formation to stoma reversal was 6 months (± 1.7). Post-reversal related complications occurred in 37.1% of the patients. Conclusions In our series, 31.9% of the patients with FIGO stage IIIC-IV ovarian cancer who underwent SRR and DLI did not have stoma reversal. Overall they had approximately 45% risk of stoma-related morbidity and 37% risk of morbidity related to the stoma reversal. This information should be part of the consulting process when preparing for debulking surgery, particularly in patients who are likely to need a bowel resection