Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: July 12, 2018
Morbidity and complications of protective loop ileostomy
G F Giannakopoulos1, A A F A Veenhof, D L van der Peet
1Department of Surgery, VU medical center, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Loop ileostomies protect colorectal surgery anastomoses but carry significant risks. This study found high rates of morbidity and complications associated with both ileostomy creation and closure, questioning their routine use.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Loop ileostomies are frequently used to protect distal anastomoses in colorectal surgery.
- However, this surgical technique is linked to potential failure, complications, and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively assess the morbidity associated with loop ileostomies.
- To evaluate complications related to both the creation and subsequent closure of ileostomies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 119 patients who underwent loop ileostomy between January 2000 and July 2007.
- Review of patient records to identify stoma-related and closure-related complications.
Main Results:
- Stoma-related morbidity was observed in 19% of patients.
- Major complications occurred in 12% and minor complications in 21% of patients following ileostomy closure.
- Over half the patients (53%) experienced no stoma-related or closure-related complications.
Conclusions:
- Protective loop ileostomies are associated with considerable morbidity.
- The findings suggest a need to carefully select patients for ileostomy based on anastomosis risk versus potential ileostomy complications.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Ostomy Care
An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening from the intestines to the outside of the body, allowing for the rerouting of effluent. This opening is known as a stoma. A stoma usually protrudes above the skin surface, appearing pink or red, moist, and round, and it lacks nerve sensations.
There are different types of ostomies, including colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology