Multimodality imaging in assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal reversal

Abstract Background Several imaging modalities are available to assess complications post intestinal stoma creation. The aim of this study was the radiological assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal closure using routine fluoroscopic water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE), combined CT-WSCE, and MRI-enema with rectal gel administration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the potential alterations in the surgical management plan based on imaging findings. Results This prospective cross-sectional study recruited 130 patients with stomas referred for the assessment of stoma integrity. Thirty-six patients with stoma-related intestinal complications were included. Patients with complications were subdivided into 3 groups. Group A 15 patients with intestinal stomas referred for WSCE pre-stomal closure and complementary CT-WSCE evaluation was performed. Comparison between the detection of the complications by WSCE alone and combined CT-WSCE among group A was statistically significant (p = 0.008) yet the alteration of the surgical plan based on both modalities was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). Group B 11 patients with poor general conditions were referred directly for combined CT-WSCE assessment, complications diagnosed in this group: 6 (54.5%) intestinal obstruction, 2 (18.2%) pericolic collections, 2 (18.2%) abnormal fistula and 1 (9.1%) anastomotic leak. Group C 10 patients with intestinal stomas with malignant or inflammatory conditions referred directly for MRI-enema assessment, showed complications as follows: 3 (30%) colon/rectal tumoral recurrence, 2 (20%) strictures, 2 (20%) pericolic collections and 3 (30%) abnormal intestinal fistulous communications. Comparison between complicated colorectal cancer patients (20 patients) versus other complicated patients secondary to other surgical indications (16 patients) enrolled in the study from the 3 different groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.125). Conclusions Combined CT and WSCE is superior in the detection of intestinal fistulas, peri-colic collections, tumor recurrence, and para-stomal hernias than WSCE alone and might lead to a change of management. MRI after rectal gel administration can serve as reliable substitute in some patients for the detection of intestinal complications namely fistulas and tumor recurrence.