Temporary diverting stoma in therapy‐refractory luminal colonic Crohn's disease: an alternative to immediate colorectal resection?

Abstract Aim Creation of a diverting stoma in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) can counteract luminal inflammation. The clinical utility of a diverting stoma with the prospect of restoration of gastrointestinal continuity warrants further investigation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long‐term effects of creation of a diverting stoma on the disease course in patients with luminal colonic CD. Method In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study we investigated the disease course of patients who received a diverting stoma in the biological era. Clinical characteristics, medication use and surgical course were assessed at the time of creation of the diverting stoma and during follow‐up. The primary outcome was the rate of successful and lasting reestablishment of gastrointestinal continuity. Results Thirty six patients with refractory luminal CD from four institutions underwent creation of a diverting stoma. Of the overall cohort, 20 (56%) patients had their gastrointestinal continuity reestablished after initial stoma creation and 14 (39%) who had their stoma reversed remained stoma‐free during a median of 3.3 years follow‐up (interquartile range 2.1–6.1 years). Absence of stoma reversal was associated with the presence of proctitis ( p = 0.02). Colorectal resection after creation of a diverting stoma was performed in 28 (78%) patients, with 7 (19%) having a less extensive resection and 6 (17%) having a more extensive resection compared with the surgical plan before stoma creation. Conclusion A diverting stoma could potentially be an alternative to immediate definitive stoma placement in specific populations consisting of patients with luminal colonic CD, especially in the absence of proctitis.