Morbidity and complications of protective loop ileostomy

Abstract Objective The creation of a loop ileostomy is considered suitable to protect a distal anastomosis in colorectal surgery. This technique is, however, associated with failure, complications and even mortality. The aim of this study was to quantify retrospectively the morbidity associated with an ileostomy and its subsequent closure. Method One hundred and nineteen patients with a temporary loop ileostomy, created between January 2000 and July 2007 were retrospectively analysed from a review of patient records. Results All ileostomies were closed after a median period of 106 days (interquartile range: 69–174 days). Stoma‐related morbidity occurred in 23 (19%) patients. After ileostomy closure, 16 major complications were seen in 14 (12%) patients and 43 minor complications occurred in 25 (21%) patients. Sixty‐three patients (53%) had neither stoma‐related morbidity or peri‐ or postoperative complications after stoma closure. Conclusion Protective loop ileostomy was found to be associated with a high morbidity. This raises the question of the mode of identifying the specific patients with a low anastomosis who should be provided an ileostomy for protection, set against the potential complications of the formation and closure of the ileostomy.