To evaluate the application of intestinal stomas in mesenteric ischemia (MI) according to the concept of damage control surgery.

Clinical data of 59 MI patients received intestinal stomas at Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine from January 2010 to June 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 41 male and 18 female patients aging of (51±14) years (ranging from 20 to 86 years). All the patients were divided to two groups according to the degree of bowel ischemia: acute MI group (AMI, bowel necrosis, n=43) and chronic MI group (CMI, bowel stricture, n=16). The medium time from onset to consult of AMI was 7(12) days (M(Q_R)) and the time of CMI was 80(51) days. After the resection of irreversible ischemic intestine, ostomy was carried out for all 59 patients. Patients received oral anticoagulation, enteral nutrition and succus entericus reinfusion therapy for about 6 months after discharge. Then definite surgery to restore digestive tract was preferred.

In AMI group, APACHEⅡ score in admission was (16±3). The length of infarcted intestine resected was (160±95) cm, normal bowel left was (220±106) cm. Twelve patients had complications during first post-operation period including sepsis (n=8), acute renal failure (n=4), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n=4), short bowel syndrome (n=4). 30-day mortality was 18.6%. Total 30 patients received operation to restore the continuity of intestinal tract after 202(42) days and APACHEⅡ score was 4±2. Two patients suffered from sepsis and were cured after anti-infection. In CMI group, APACHEⅡ score was 16±3 and NRS2002 score was more than 3. The length of infarcted intestine resected was (43±33) cm. All patients had restored the continuity of intestinal tract after 176 (47) days. No major complications occurred during the first and second post-operation period.

According to damage control surgery, after early revascularization, patients with acute intestinal necrosis should be treated with infarcted bowel resection and stomas. Besides, second operation to restore the continuity of intestinal tract should be conducted after nutritional support for 6 months. Patients with ischemic enteropathy who cannot be corrected with severe malnutrition should achieve stomas during first operation.

Mesenteric vascular occlusion; Enterostomy; Treatment outcome