Pursestring Closure versus Conventional Primary Closure Following Stoma Reversal to Reduce Surgical Site Infection Rate: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND

Stoma reversal is a surgical procedure commonly used following temporary defunctioning stoma surgery. Surgical site infection is one of the most common postoperative morbidities. A few skin closure methods have been developed to decrease surgical site infection. However, the optimal skin closure method is still in debate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical site infection rate and other postoperative outcomes between the pursestring closure and conventional primary closure techniques.

DATA SOURCES: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant trials.

STUDY SELECTION: We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the surgical outcomes following pursestring closure and conventional primary closure techniques.

INTERVENTION: We conducted the meta-analysis by using the random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of interest was surgical site infection following stoma reversal within 30 days after operation.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 4 randomized controlled trials with a total of 319 participants (162 in the pursestring closure group and 157 in the conventional primary closure group). Compared with the conventional primary closure group, the pursestring closure group had a significant decrease in surgical site infection (risk difference, -0.25; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.15; p < 0.00001; number needed to treat = 4) and higher satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes (standard mean difference, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.13-1.27; p = 0.02). No other significant differences in operative time, length of hospital stay, and wound healing time were found between the 2 groups.

LIMITATIONS: This study was limited to the lack of double blinding and long-term follow-up in the included trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Pursestring closure has significantly fewer surgical site infections and achieves better cosmetic outcomes following stoma reversal than conventional primary closure.