Clinical prospects for laparoscopic stoma closure of a temporary loop ileostomy: Initial experience and report

Introduction: In closure of a stoma, the small working space and adhesions hinder a precise surgical procedure, compared with conventional approaches to digestive surgery. The aim of this prospective study was to introduce a new technique of laparoscopic stoma closure (LASC).

Materials and surgical techniques: After starting with three trocars, it is a priority to dissect around the arising ileum; a linear stapler is precisely inserted in both orifices of the loop stoma and applied two times, extracorporeally. Ultimately, both the oral and anal sides of the loop ileum are cut and closed using a linear cutter stapler in a delta-shaped manner just under the abdominal wall, intracorporeally. Eventually, the arising stoma is removed using an intra-abdominal and cutaneous approach.

Discussion: LASC for patients with a temporary loop ileostomy is safe and feasible. More data and experience will be required to verify the benefits of this new technique.