Ileostomy complications requiring revision: Lahey clinic experience, 1964-1973

From 1964 to 1973, 50 patients who initially underwent ileostomy for inflammatory bowel disease at the Lahey Clinic required 84 revisions. The commonest reason for revision was stenosis. Fistula, prolapse, and retraction followed in order of frequency. Patients with Crohn's disease seemed to have a higher incidence of revision, but this was not statistically significant. Other reasons for revision were analyzed, and recommendations for treatment were discussed. Retrospective study revealed that 50% of ileostomy revisions were performed for probably preventable complications.