Bowel maneuvers for achieving colonic continuity after extensive colon resection due to abdominopelvic trauma: two case reports

Restoring large bowel continuity after extensive resection due to abdominopelvic trauma may be challenging because of the limited length of the remaining bowel. Achieving a tension-free anastomosis can be particularly difficult when attempting this within the pelvis due to a short rectal stump. Two maneuvers that can aid in these situations are the retroileal pull-through approach and the Deloyers procedure. We describe two cases in which each maneuver was utilized to facilitate colostomy closure following extensive large bowel resection resulting from abdominopelvic trauma. Both maneuvers proved feasible, successfully allowing bowel continuity to be restored with tension-free anastomoses. Protective loop ileostomies were performed in both cases. Postoperative contrast enema studies did not show evidence of anastomotic leaks. After ileostomy closure, both patients regained bowel function with good bowel control. Bowel manipulation maneuvers following abdominal trauma are therefore feasible and facilitate tension-free anastomosis after extensive colonic and rectal resections. Trauma and colorectal surgeons managing abdominal trauma patients requiring ostomy closure should become familiar with these techniques.