[Ileostomy versus colostomy as temporary deviation stoma in relation to stoma closure]

Between January 1, 1982 and June 30, 1987 a total of 122 patients suffering colorectal cancer (n = 88) or diverticulitis of the colon (n = 24) underwent surgery for construction of a transient defunctioning stoma. Closure of the stomata was performed in 71 of the 79 ileostomies (89.9%) and in 36 of the 43 colostomies (83.7%). Regarding sex, age and primary surgical treatment both patient groups were very well comparable. However there were clear differences with regard to closure of the stomatas: Complications following closure occurred in 22.5% of the ileostomies but only in 5.6% of the colostomies. Also lethality was markedly increased following closure of the ileostomies (5.6%) as compared to closure of the colostomies (0%). These results show that ileostomy is a technically complicated procedure and the indication for a transient ileostomy therefore should be made carefully.