Laparoscopic vs. open loop ileostomy reversal: a meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies

Purpose The present meta-analysis compares laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal (LLIR) with open loop ileostomy reversal (OLIR) to evaluate the advantages of the laparoscopic technique compared to the traditional open technique in ileostomy reversal. Methods Primary endpoints were hospital stay and overall complications. Secondary endpoints were operative time, EBL, readmission, medical complications, surgical complications, reoperation, wound infection, anastomotic leak, intestinal obstruction, and cost of the procedures. The included studies were also divided based on the type of anastomotic approach: extracorporeal laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal (ELLIR) and intracorporeal laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal (ILLIR). Results In the analysis, 4 studies were included. Three hundred fifty-four patients were enrolled. As primary outcomes, a significant difference was found in hospital stay between the LLIR and OLIR groups ( MD = −0.67, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.19, P = 0.007). The overall complications outcome resulted in favor of the LLIR group ( RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.95, P = 0.03). As secondary outcomes, the operative time was in favor of the OLIR group ( MD = 19.18, 95% CI 10.20–28.16, P < 0.001). Surgical complications were lower in the LLIR group than in the OLIR group. No other differences between the secondary endpoints were found. Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in hospital stay between the ILLIR and OLIR groups ( MD = −0.92, 95% CI −1.55 to −0.30, P = 0.004). The overall complications outcome significantly favored the ILLIR group ( RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–0.96, P = 0.04). Conclusion Our meta-analysis shows an advantage in terms of shorter post-operative hospitalization and reduction of complications of LLIR compared to OLIR. The sub-group analysis shows that performing an extracorporeal anastomosis exposes the same risks of the open technique.