Background: Delayed coloanal anastomosis (DCAA) may be used in patients with complex rectal conditions, such as chronic pelvic sepsis, low recto-vaginal and recto-vesical fistula; however, limited data are available. The aim is to report the morbidity and functional results of DCAA in redo rectal surgery. Methods: All patients undergoing DCAA between January 2014 and August 2017 were retrospectively included. Success was defined as a functional anastomosis without stoma, evaluated using the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) functional assessment tools. Results: Of the 72 redo pelvic surgeries, 29 (40.3%) DCAA were performed over a 4-year period. Indications for redo resection were chronic pelvic sepsis (n = 13, 44.8%), rectovaginal fistula (n = 11, 37.9%) and recto-vesical fistula (n = 5, 17.2%). Mean interval period between the two procedures was 14 AE 3 days (8-21). Global major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo III or IV) was seen in six patients (20.7%). Stoma closure was feasible for 22 (75.9%) patients after a median period of 78 days (interquartile range 61-98). The 6-month success rate was 79.3%. Mean LARS was 28.8 AE 10.2 (3-41) (minor LARS) for 18 patients with no stoma at the end of follow-up. LARS score was significantly better with a follow-up >2 years (23.3 AE 12.2 versus 32.3 AE 7.9), P = 0.074. Mean GIQLI score was 79.2 AE 14.3 (48-98). Conclusions: Transanal colonic pull through with delayed anastomosis for redo-surgery in complex pelvic situations had low morbidity and avoided a permanent stoma in three out of four patients with an acceptable quality of life.

Long term functional results and quality of life in rectal redo surgery: delayed vs. immediate colo-anal anastomosis, a case-matched study of 52 patients.

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