Outcomes of the Deloyers procedure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of proportions

Background Extended left hemicolectomies may result in a short transverse colon and excessive mesenteric tension, precluding a tension‐free anastomosis. The Deloyers procedure is a colonic rotation technique that facilitates anastomosis without total colectomy. This study aimed to evaluate short‐term outcomes following the Deloyers procedure in patients undergoing left‐sided colorectal resections. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted using PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register to identify observational studies published up to March 2025. Continuous outcomes were pooled as means with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and binary outcomes as proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic and Cochrane Q‐test. All analyses were performed using R (v4.4.1). Results Thirteen studies including 287 patients undergoing the Deloyers procedure were analysed. The pooled mean operating time was 256.7 min (95% CI, 188.5–349.6), intraoperative blood loss was 327.5 mL (95% CI, 227.9–470.6) and the perioperative transfusion rate was 25% (95% CI, 16%–35%). Postoperative recovery outcomes included a mean hospital stay of 9.9 days (95% CI, 7.6–12.9), an ileus rate of 15% (95% CI, 7%–30%) and an average of 2.9 bowel movements per day (95% CI, 2.4–3.5). Reported complications included Clavien–Dindo grade I–II events in 36% of patients (95% CI, 14%–66%) and grade III–IV events in 12% (95% CI, 5%–24%). The pooled rate of surgical site infection was 13% (95% CI, 4%–34%), small bowel obstruction 6% (95% CI, 0%–35%) and anastomotic leakage 1% (95% CI, 0%–7%). The overall mortality rate was 0% (95% CI, 0%–1%), with two deaths reported in patients with significant comorbidities and advanced oncological disease. Conclusion The Deloyers procedure is a feasible surgical alternative in patients requiring extended left‐sided colectomy, providing acceptable operative times, functional recovery and complication rates. It may help avoid total colectomy in anatomically complex cases.