Attempted Colonic Preservation Strategies Do Not Increase the Risk of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Presenting with Acute Left-Sided Colonic Emergencies

Abstract

Background. Colonic malignant obstruction and perforated diverticulitis are acute left sided colonic emergencies (ALSCE) that are typically managed with colorectal resection. Colonic preservation techniques such as laparoscopic lavage and endoscopic stenting have emerged as management options, the safety of which has been debated. We aimed to determine if these alternate colonic preservation techniques result in increased in-hospital mortality. Materials and Methods. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 210 patients with ALSCE managed from June 2001 to April 2014. Data collected included demographic, pathology type, ASA grading, operative and post-operative progress. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors contributing to treatment arm allocation and in-hospital mortality. These were performed on the whole treatment cohort, as well as per pathology subgroup. Results. 210 patients were included. Non-resectional management was attempted in 147 patients (70%), of which 38 (26%) required un-planned colonic resection or died in hospital. Those treated with colonic preservation were younger, had lower ASA scores and had lower Hinchey scores (in the diverticular perforation group) than those in the resection group. Female gender was the only independent predictor of increased in-hospital mortality risk. Importantly, the type of procedure performed (colonic preservation vs. resection) did not predict in-hospital mortality risk. Conclusion. Attempted colonic preservation strategies do not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with ALSCE. Given the inherent benefits of colonic preservation, these treatment strategies should be considered when managing ALSCE.