Background: Stoma reversal is used to reconnect the area after a colostomy or
ileostomy. There are multiple post-operative complications associated with
stoma reversal, most commonly surgical site infection (SSI). Aim: The aim is to
determine the incidence rate of SSI in stoma reversal and to assess possible
risk factors associated with SSI in stoma reversal patients by analyzing
operative and non-operative variables. Methods: This retrospective cohort
study was done at the surgery department of king Abdulaziz medical city
(KAMC) in Riyadh. All stoma reversal surgeries were either emergent or
elective, open or laparoscopic and ileostomy or colostomy. Malignant and
benign diseases were included. Results: Out of the 123 patients, 14 developed
SSI representing 11.4%. The time to reversal was longer among patients with
SSI compared to those without SSI. Significance was related to patients
undergoing primary vs. secondary skin closure. Conclusion: There was no
significance of the patient’s primary disease and comorbidities and
development of SSI. However, a longer time period between the stoma
creation and stoma reversal and primary skin closure were associated with
higher risk of SSI.
Keywords: Surgical Site Infection, Stoma Reversal, Incidence, Risk Factors
