End-to-end versus side-to-end anastomosis after bowel resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis: A retrospective study.

Objective: Deep infiltrating endometriosis(DIE) of the bowel may require segmental bowel resection. The subsequent reconstruction can be performed through an end-to-end(E-E) or a side-to-end (S-E)anastomosis, the latter being used in low resection due to the reduced risk of anastomotic leakage. This study aims at comparing those two anastomosis techniques in women submitted to bowel resection for DIE, in terms of post-operative morbidity and functional outcomes.

Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study on women undergoing laparoscopic rectal resection for deep infiltrating endometriosis with subsequent E-E or S-E anastomosis performed according to the level of rectal resection. The two groups were compared for postoperative complication rates and functional outcomes by means of validated questionnaires.

Results: The study population included 30 patients undergoing a S-E anastomosis (group A), and 49 cases undergoing an E-E anastomosis (group B). No differences were found between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay, anastomotic leakages, protective ileostomies and short-term complications. At follow up no differences were found between the two groups in terms of bowel function and pain symptoms.

Conclusions: A S-E anastomosis in case of low rectal resections for DIE presents similar complication rates and functional outcomes compared with an E-E anastomosis.