Intra-abdominal Sepsis After Ileocolic Resection in Crohn’s Disease: The Role of Combination Immunosuppression

Intra-abdominal sepsis complicates <10% of ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease, but the impact of combination immunosuppression and repeat resection on its development remains unknown.The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for intra-abdominal sepsis after ileocolic resection, specifically examining the role of combination immunosuppression and repeat intestinal resection.This was a retrospective review of patient records from 2007 to 2017.The study was conducted at a single-institution IBD tertiary referral center.Patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease who were undergoing ileocolic resection with primary anastomosis were included. Diverted patients were excluded.Preoperative and intraoperative variables, including preoperative immunosuppressive regimens and previous intestinal resection, were evaluated as potential risk factors for intra-abdominal sepsis.A total of 621 patients (55% women) underwent ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease; 393 (63%) were first-time resections. The rate of 30-day intra-abdominal sepsis was 8% (n = 50). On univariate analysis, triple immunosuppression (combination of a corticosteroid, immunomodulator, and biological) and previous intestinal resection were significantly associated with intra-abdominal sepsis. Both risk factors remained significant on multivariable analysis (OR for triple immunosuppression (vs none) = 3.53 (95% CI, 1.27-9.84); previous intestinal resection OR = 2.27 (95% CI, 1.25-4.13)). A significant trend was seen between an increasing number of these risk factors (triple immunosuppression and previous intestinal resection) and rate of intra-abdominal sepsis (5%, 12%, and 22% for 0, 1, and 2 risk factors; p < 0.01). A trend was observed between increasing number of previous intestinal resections and the rate of intra-abdominal sepsis (p < 0.01).This study is limited by its single-institution tertiary referral center scope.Combination immunosuppression and previous intestinal resection were both associated with the development of intra-abdominal sepsis. In light of these results, surgeons should consider the effects of combination immunosuppression and a history of previous intestinal resection, in addition to other risk factors, when deciding which patients warrant temporary intestinal diversion. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A664.