Work

Is a bridge (rod) necessary for loop ileostomy? A phase II randomized control trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The value of a bridge in loop ileostomies is debated. We aimed to evaluate whether using a bridge when creating a loop ileostomy can reduce morbidity following an ileostomy. METHODS: Patients who had a loop ileostomy after elective colorectal surgery from January 2016 to July 2022 were randomized in this multicenter phase 2 randomized superiority trial. The primary endpoint was the absence of postoperative stomal complications at 2 months and was assessed in a blinded fashion by a stoma therapist. Secondary endpoints were morbidity at 1 month and the STOMA-QOL score at 2 months. RESULTS: During the study period, 67 patients were randomized to the bridge group and 63 to the no-bridge group. Epidemiological and perioperative data did not differ between the two groups. The stomal complication-free rate was 76% in the bridge group and 67% in the no-bridge group (p = 0.3). There was no difference in the distribution of complications at 1 month according to the Clavien-Dindo score (p = 0.2) or the STOMA-QOL score at 2 months (p = 0.4) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The bridge does not reduce the rate of stomatal complications, nor does it appear to reduce patients' quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02756273 (May 10, 2016).

Source: Techniques in Coloproctology

DOI: 10.1007/s10151-025-03132-4