Closure of loop ileostomy after low anterior rectal resection and restorative proctocolectomy.

OBJECTIVE Low pelvic anastomoses are associated with a high leak rate. Loop ileostomies are commonly performed during ileoanal and coloanal anastomoses. This study was undertaken to review our experience with loop ileostomy closure after low anterior rectal resection and restorative proctocolectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred sixty five patients undergoing loop ileostomy closure at a single institution after coloanal and ileoanal anastomoses for rectal carcinoma (n = 148) ulcerative colitis (n = 9) and FAP (n = 8) from January 2003 to December 2006. Fecal diversion was maintained for a mean 13,5 weeks. RESULTS Of the 165 patients, 100 were male and 65 female with mean age 59 (range 23-83 years). Overall, complication rate was 10,9 per cent. The common complication were sub occlusion six patients, occlusion three patients, wound infection eight patients and abdominal sepsis one patient. Complications required operative management in four cases. There was no mortality related to ileostomy. CONCLUSION The study shown that ileostomy closure is a safe and effective with generally minor complications and should be considered as a safe alterative for fecal diversion.