Postoperative results and complications of fecal diversion for anorectal Crohn’s disease

PURPOSE: Fecal diversion is a less-invasive technique that can alleviate symptoms in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn’s disease. However, complications, including recurrence of residual anorectal Crohn’s disease, may develop. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative results and complications associated with fecal diversion in patients with refractory anorectal Crohn’s disease. METHODS: We enrolled 1218 Crohn’s disease patients who underwent laparotomy at our institute. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 174 patients who underwent fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn’s disease, complications of the diverted colorectum, and the incidence and risk factors for proctectomy after fecal diversion. RESULTS: After fecal diversion, 74% of patients showed improved symptoms. However, bowel continuity restoration was successful in four patients (2.2%), and anorectal Crohn’s disease recurred in all patients. Seventeen patients developed cancer with a poor prognosis. The rate of conversion to proctectomy after fecal diversion was 41.3%, and the risk factors included rectal involvement (p = 0.02), loop-type stoma (p < 0.01), and the absence of treatment with biologics after fecal diversion (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Fecal diversion for refractory anorectal Crohn’s disease can improve clinical symptoms. Patients with rectal involvement or loop-type stoma have a greater risk of requiring proctectomy following fecal diversion. The administration of biologic may decrease the rate of proctectomy.