Liquidation of intestinal stoma — remarks from Liquidation of Colostomy (LICO) and Liquidation of Ileostomy (LILEO) Polish studies for surgical oncologists

Despite the large number of intestinal stomas created annually, stoma reversal remains a complex surgical challenge, particularly in oncological patients. This review presents findings from the first Polish multicenter prospective studies [Liquidation of Colostomy (LICO) and Liquidation of Ileostomy (LILEO)] on colostomy and ileostomy reversals, encompassing 325 patients across 20 hospitals. The studies revealed high postoperative complication rates (approximately 30%), regardless of stoma type or timing of reversal. Importantly, reversal outcomes in patients initially treated for malignant disease were comparable to those with benign indications, suggesting no rationale for delaying reversal solely due to oncological history. Additionally, surgeon experience did not significantly influence outcomes, supporting the involvement of residents under supervision. The studies emphasize the need for standardized perioperative protocols and advocate for wider adoption of enhanced recovery strategies and preventive wound care techniques, such as negative pressure wound therapy. These findings aim to inform best practices and improve surgical outcomes, particularly in cancer-related stoma care.