Emergency left side colectomy and primary anastomosis with or without diverting stoma: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND

Left-sided colonic perforation is a common surgical emergency. While Hartmann's procedure has traditionally been the standard treatment, growing evidence supports primary anastomosis as a safe and effective alternative. The benefit of adding a diverting ileostomy in this scenario remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of a diverting stoma after emergency left-sided colectomy with primary anastomosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study. All consecutive adult patients undergoing emergency left-sided colectomy with primary anastomosis between 2019 and 2023 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the use of a diverting stoma (DS) or no stoma (NS). The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative morbidity, anastomotic leak, reoperation, readmission, and 1-year stoma-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 211 patients were included, of whom 75 (35.2%) received a diverting stoma. While baseline demographic characteristics and comorbidities were similar between the two cohorts, patients in the DS group presented with significantly higher rates of generalized peritonitis. Thirty-day mortality did not differ (DS 2.2% vs NS 1.3%, p = 0.656). Anastomotic leak occurred in 4.0% of DS and 8.8% of NS patients (p = 0.192). Reoperations were fewer in the DS group (4.0% vs 12.5%, p = 0.044). Readmission rates were higher among patients with diversion (16.2% vs 2.3%, p < 0.001). One-year stoma-free survival favored the NS group (96.7% vs 83.1%, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Diverting stoma after emergency left-sided colectomy with primary anastomosis does not influence mortality or overall morbidity but was associated with reduced reoperations related to anastomotic leaks. Diversion is associated with higher readmission rates and delayed stoma reversal, highlighting the importance of individualized, evidence-based decision-making in emergency colorectal surgery.