Defunctioning loop ileostomy and stapled side-to-side closure has low morbidity.

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes
• Stoma Management

Background:

• Low pelvic anastomoses increase the risk of anastomotic leaks.
• Defunctioning loop ileostomies are used to mitigate leak consequences.
• Reported complication rates for stoma creation and closure range widely (5.7-69%).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of loop ileostomy construction and side-to-side closure.
• To assess complication rates in a specialist unit.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from a computer audit and case notes.
• Inclusion of 71 patients undergoing loop ileostomy between 1994 and 1998.
• Side-to-side closure performed using a GIA linear stapler.

Main Results:

• 71 patients underwent loop ileostomy for various colorectal procedures.
• No ileostomy-related deaths occurred.
• A total of 10 (13.8%) ileostomy-related complications were observed (4 during creation, 6 during closure).

Conclusions:

• Loop ileostomy creation and closure are technically straightforward.
• The procedure is associated with low morbidity.
• Defunctioning ileostomy is recommended for temporary fecal diversion in complex colorectal surgery.