国内结肠造口术和回肠袢式造口术对老年乙状结肠癌、直肠癌的临床疗效的Meta分析

目的应用Meta分析方法系统评价国内结肠造口术和回肠袢式造口术对老年乙状结肠癌、直肠癌的疗效及安全性。 方法计算机检索中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普期刊资源整合服务平台、中国生物医学文献数据库,收集老年乙状结肠癌、直肠癌患者进行一期切除肿瘤并肠造口,二期对肠造口行闭合术的文献。检索时限均为从建库至2017年4月。制定纳入以及排除标准,查找相关文献,评价偏倚风险,最终提取纳入的文献的数据,使用RevMan 5.3软件进行Meta分析。 结果本项研究共有13篇文献,926例患者进行一期肿瘤切除并肠造口,二期对肠造口行闭合术入选,通过Meta分析结果显示,回肠袢式造口组一期术后排气时间（MD=-1.87,95%CI：-2.20~-1.54,P<0.001）、一期术后禁食时间（MD=-2.11,95%CI：-2.28~-1.94,P<0.001）、一期术后住院时间（MD=-0.53,95%CI：-0.97~-0.10,P=0.02）、一期术后并发症发生率（OR=0.55,95%CI：0.32~0.97,P=0.04）、二期手术时间（MD=-1.04,95%CI：-1.22~-0.86;P<0.001）、二期术后排气时间（MD=-1.67,95%CI：-1.89~-1.45;P<0.001）、二期术后禁食时间（MD=-1.67,95%CI：-1.90~-1.44;P<0.001）、二期术后住院时间（MD=-2.19,95%CI：-2.58~-1.79;P<0.001）、二期术后并发症发生率（OR=0.19,95%CI：0.11~0.33;P<0.001）与结肠造口组相比,差异有统计学意义,一期手术时间（MD=0.04,95%CI：-0.03~0.11;P=0.25）差异无统计学意义。 结论回肠袢式造口组在住院时间、肠胃功能恢复时间、二期手术时间、术后并发症发生率几个方面要优于结肠造口组。     

使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做直肠癌标本取出和预防性造口的可行性研究

目的探讨使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做直肠癌标本取出和预防性造口的可行性。 方法回顾性分析解放军总医院第七医学中心普通外科2017年1月~2019年6月间收治的中低位直肠癌腹腔镜保肛手术后行末端回肠双腔造口的患者的临床资料,其中22例应用了既往下腹部及盆腔脏器手术切口取出标本和预防性造口（观察组）;选取同期情况相近的经左侧腹直肌切口取标本,经右下腹行预防性造口的直肠癌患者40例作为对照组。比较两组患者的一般资料和造口及造口还纳相关并发症的发生情况,疼痛情况采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）比较,出院时采用功能状态（Karnofsky）评分评价患者功能状态。 结果两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后进食时间、造口袋首次渗漏时间、结直肠吻合口漏发生率相比较差异均无统计学意义（t=2.539、0.879、0.866、0.774,χ²=6.508;P>0.05）。观察组术后各时间点患者疼痛情况评分分值均显著低于对照组（t=5.695,7.614,6.677;P<0.05）,术后使用镇痛药物人次显著下降（χ²=5.213,P<0.05）。两组患者造口相关并发症发生率、造口还纳相关并发症的发生率相比较差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组Karnofsky功能状态评分为（83.7±5.6）分,显著高于对照组（78.4±5.2）分（t=2.906,P<0.05）。 结论对于中低位直肠癌保肛手术后行末端回肠双腔造口的患者,使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做标本取出和预防性造口是安全可行的,患者术后恢复较快,值得临床应用。     

回肠襻式造口还纳和Hartmann术后造口还纳术后并发症的对照分析

目的 对比分析老年人回肠襻式造口还纳与Hamnann's术后造口还纳的并发症.方法 对1999年～2003年进行的回肠襻式造口还纳术和行Hartmann's术后造口还纳术各40例老年患者进行术后并发症的比较.结果 患者行回肠襻式造口术的病因第1位是直肠癌低位吻合[24例(60%)],其次是结肠多发息肉病C6例(15%)];行Hartmarm's术最常见的病因是结肠癌[22例(55%)]和结肠癌肠梗阻、穿孔[8例(20)].Hartmann's术后造口还纳并发症较回肠襻式造口还纳并发症更为多见.结论 回肠襻式造口还纳和Hartmann's术后造口还纳相比有较多优势,是一种能减少造口还纳并发症的手术方式.     

直肠癌前切除术后预置回肠造口与袢式回肠造口的对比研究

目的评估预置回肠造口（末段回肠预置于腹壁下）对比袢式回肠造口在腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术中的优势。 方法进行前瞻性研究,纳入2020年1月至2021年12月甘肃省人民医院肛肠科收治的行腹腔镜直肠癌前切除术的患者,分为预置回肠造口组及袢式回肠造口组。主要的研究终点：首次住院以及术后3个月总体并发症指数（CCI）;次要研究终点：术后吻合口漏发生率、肠梗阻发生率、手术时间、住院时间、住院费用、并发症Clavien-Dindo分级、术后3个月再次住院率以及肛门直肠功能（Wexner评分）;其他研究终点：术后通气时间、首次进食时间、术后腹泻、手术时间＞3 h、切缘阳性率以及术后病理pTNM分期。 结果预置回肠造口组对比袢式回肠造口组的首次住院总体并发症评分（CCI评分）为（25.3±7.1 vs. 26.4±5.7）,差异无统计学意义（t=0.456,P=0.067）,而预置回肠造口组对比袢式回肠造口组术后3个月的CCI评分为（26.2±6.2 vs. 31.7±9.1）,差异有统计学意义（t=0.283,P=0.041）。此外,预置回肠造口组患者对比袢式回肠造口组患者在手术时间（Z=-2.646,P=0.008）、住院时间（Z=-3.564,P=0.034）、住院费用（Z=-5.118,P=0.021）、术后3个月再次住院率（χ²=25.652,P=0.001）、术后3个月肛门直肠功能（t=-3.128,P=0.003）以及并发症Clavien-Dindo分级（χ²=9.692,P=0.021）等方面差异均具有统计学意义。 结论预置回肠造口相对于袢式回肠造口是一种安全可行且经济有效的术式,但仅限于中低危吻合口漏患者。此外,本研究样本量较少且随访时间短,仍需后续试验加以验证。     

腹腔镜腹会阴联合切除术腹膜外结肠造口对比腹膜内造口治疗直肠癌的Meta分析

目的比较直肠癌行腹腔镜腹会阴联合切除术（LAPR）腹膜外结肠造口与腹膜内结肠造口的安全性与有效性,并确定直肠癌永久性结肠造口最为合适的造口方式。 方法检索Pubmed、Embase、The Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国知网以及万方数据库等中英文数据库,收集2008年10月至2020年3月国内外公开发表的有关比较LAPR腹膜外造口与腹膜内造口治疗直肠癌的临床研究,由两位研究者按照纳入与排除标准筛选符合条件的文献,非随机对照研究采用Newcastle-Ottawa Scale（NOS）量表评价文献质量,评分>5分的研究纳入Meta分析,随机对照研究采用Jadad量表评估。提取文献基本信息及相关结局指标,数据采用RevMan5.3软件进行Meta分析。 结果最终纳入14篇文献,其中9篇临床对照研究,5篇随机对照研究,共计1 210例患者。其中腹膜外造口组594例,腹膜内造口组616例,Meta分析结果显示,与腹腔镜腹膜内造口相比,腹腔镜腹膜外造口组造口旁疝发生率（OR=0.14,95%CI：0.08~0.25;P<0.00001）,造口脱垂发生率（OR=0.15,95%CI：0.06~0.37;P<0.0001）,造口回缩发生率（OR=0.24,95%CI：0.09~0.63;P=0.004）均明显降低;术后住院时间缩短（MD=-0.82,95%CI：-0.97~-0.68;P<0.00001）,术后首次排气时间提前（MD=-0.71,95%CI：-0.88~-0.54;P<0.00001）,更容易获得排便感（OR=9.67,95%CI：4.40~21.23;P<0.00001）,但造口水肿发生率明显升高（OR=1.81,95%CI：1.13~2.92;P=0.01）,而两组造口狭窄发生率（OR=0.62,95%CI：0.25~1.50;P=0.29）、造口感染发生率（OR=0.57,95%CI：0.29~1.12;P=0.10）以及造口时间（MD=-0.94,95%CI：-5.69~3.81;P=0.70）的差异均无统计学意义。 结论LAPR腹膜外造口能明显降低造口相关并发症的发生率,加速患者康复,更容易获得排便感,具有一定的安全性和有效性,建议直肠癌LAPR永久性结肠造口首选腹膜外造口方式。     

低位直肠癌保肛手术中回肠襻式造口与改良自闭式造口的对比研究

目的探讨低位直肠癌保肛手术中应用改良自闭式造口的安全性和有效性,比较采用改良自闭式造口与回肠襻式造口两种造口方式的临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析苏北人民医院胃肠外科2016年9月~2018年8月期间60例行低位直肠癌保肛手术患者的临床资料,根据预防性造口实施方式的不同分为：改良自闭式造口组25例,回肠襻式造口组35例。分析指标包括：一般资料及病理资料、术中及术后恢复情况、术后并发症及随访情况。 结果两组患者均未发生吻合口漏,改良自闭式造口组患者术后总住院时间为（8.68±0.95）天,回肠襻式造口组患者术后总住院时间为（14.46±1.20）天,两组比较差异具有统计学意义（t=13.00,P<0.01）,包括行一期造口及二期还纳手术的时间。改良自闭式造口组患者在院总花费为（59 284.52±5 712.63）元,回肠襻式造口组为（75 128.77±10 238.05）元,两组比较差异具有统计学意义（t=6.99,P<0.01）。 结论相比回肠末端襻式造口,改良自闭式造口住院时间少、住院费用低,避免了造口旁疝及造口脱垂等造口相关并发症的出现,是低位直肠癌保肛术中可供选择的预造口方式。     

吻合环及传统末端吻合用于直肠癌保护性回肠造口术对患者术后恢复的影响

目的研究吻合环及传统末端吻合用于直肠癌保护性回肠造口术对患者术后恢复的影响。方法纳入2017年3月至2019年3月于空军军医大学西京医院收治的124例直肠癌患者为对象,按照抽签随机方法分为两组,各62例。其中对照组行传统保护性末端回肠造口术,观察组实施吻合环复合装置保护性回肠造口术。观察两组手术相关指标(包括手术操作时间、住院时间),分析两组手术并发症发生情况(包括吻合口瘘、造口相关并发症),并分析对照组患者术后还纳情况。结果两组所有患者均顺利完成造口手术。观察组手术操作时间显著长于对照组(P 0. 05),但住院时间较对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。观察组造口相关并发症发生率为29. 03%,显著低于对照组的61. 29%(P 0. 05);观察组吻合口瘘发生率为8. 06%,对照组吻合口瘘发生率为6. 45%,差异无统计学意义(P 0. 05)。术后所有患者均随访6个月,随访期间无失访病例。对照组患者中,第1次术后3月还纳者占32. 26%,术后6月还纳者占61. 29%,未还纳者占6. 45%。结论与传统保护性末端回肠造口术比较,采用吻合环复合装置保护性回肠造口术更利于直肠癌患者术后早期康复,造口相关并发症少,无需二次还纳,临床应引起足够重视。     

一针法预防性回肠造口在直肠癌低位前切除手术中的应用

目的探讨一针法回肠造口方法在直肠癌低位前切除手术中的技术优势。 方法前瞻性分析2016年1月至2019年1月河南省肿瘤医院普外科连续80例行直肠癌低位前切除并预防性回肠造口手术的患者,按随机表法分为一针法回肠造口组（观察组）和传统方法造口组（对照组）,对比两组造口手术操作时间、造口皮肤黏膜分离、粪水性皮炎、造口旁疝、造口脱垂、造口回缩等相关造口并发症指标的发生率。 结果两组患者的基线资料比较差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）,观察组手术操作时间短于对照组［（2.1±0.9）min vs.（15.2±4.6）min］（t=-17.510,P<0.05）,造口皮肤黏膜分离、粪水性皮炎、造口回缩等发生率与传统方法组比较差异均有统计学意义（观察组造口皮肤黏膜分离患者1例,对照组15例;观察组粪水性皮炎患者3例,对照组32例;观察组造口回缩患者0例,对照组8例）（χ²=15.313,42.717,8.889;P均<0.05）,在造口旁疝、造口脱垂两方面差异无统计学意义（观察组造口旁疝患者2例,对照组6例;观察组造口脱垂患者2例,对照组3例）（χ²=2.222,0.213;P均>0.05）。 结论一针法回肠造口在直肠癌低位前切除术中较传统方法更具操作优势,而且可减少相关造口并发症的发生。     

高分辨肛门直肠测压对直肠癌术后临时造口还纳的评估作用

目的评估高分辨肛门直肠测压检查能否客观反映直肠癌术后的肛门功能,能否成为临时造口还纳的依据。 方法选取2017年4月至2020年4月期间在中日友好医院普外科接受手术的170例直肠癌患者作为研究对象。将患者按照造口还纳后的前切除综合征评分分为无前切除综合征,轻度前切除综合征和重度前切除综合征3类。重度前切除综合征患者不适合造口还纳,据此将患者分为适合还纳组（141例）和不适合还纳组（29例）,适合还纳组包括无前切除综合征（75例）和轻度前切除综合征（66例）。患者均为临时性回肠造口,均在术后6个月时进行肛门直肠测压检查。肛门测压的各项结果在不同分组间进行Logistic回归分析。 结果有前切除综合征组患者的最大缩榨压明显更低（P=0.032,OR=1.033）,排便的最大耐受量也明显更小（P=0.011,OR=1.036）。不适合还纳组的静息压（P=0.002,OR=1.135）和最大缩榨压（P=0.001,OR=1.058）明显更低,排便感觉阈（P=0.049,OR=1.087）和最大耐受量（P=0.001,OR=1.059）也明显更小。 结论肛门直肠测压能够预测肛门功能的下降,可以作为临时造口是否应还纳的依据。     

回肠双腔造口对中低位直肠癌前切除术后转流性结肠炎的发生及疾病转归的影响

目的 探究回肠双腔造口对中低位直肠癌前切除术后转流性结肠炎的发生及疾病转归的影响。方法 回顾性分析223例2011年6月至2021年6月就诊于铜陵市人民医院胃肠外科接受预防性回肠造口和中低位直肠癌切除术的老年患者病例资料。根据造口方式分为单腔造口组(101例)和双腔造口组(122例),收集分析两组临床资料，分析造口后3～4个月和造口还纳术后6个月结肠镜结果及临床症状资料。采用Logistic回归分析影响转流性结肠炎的危险因素。结果 单腔造口组肠道恢复时间和术后并发症发生率显著高于双腔造口组(P<0.05);造口术后3～4个月，单腔造口组转流性结肠炎中、重度及临床症状发生率均显著高于双腔造口组(P<0.05);造口还纳术6个月后，单腔造口组转流性结肠炎严重程度、临床症状发生率均显著高于双腔造口组(P<0.05);Logistic回归分析显示，造口方式的不同是影响回肠造口术后发生转流性结肠炎及转归的危险因素。结论 回肠双腔造口能够降低中低位直肠癌前切除术后转流性结肠炎的发生率，并促进转流性结肠炎的转归。     

The outcome of loop ileostomy closure in 293 cases

Our experience with closure of loop ileostomies between the years 1975–1986 was reviewed. Ninety-three percent of stoma closures were done by simple transverse suture. The overall complication rate was 17%. Of the early postoperative complications (13%), the major complication was small bowel obstruction especially in patients where the stoma was protecting a pelvic ileal reservoir. Abdominal septic complications (postclosure) were rare (1%). These were generally caused by unrecognized enteric tears during the mobilization of the stoma rather than anastomotic leakage. A careful operative technique is required. The wound infection rate after healing by both secondary intention and primary skin closure was low (3%) and mainly superficial. Only one incisional hernia was observed in the late postoperative period. In three patients a posterior rectus sheath defect at the stoma site was found incidentally at laparotomy, without clinical evidence of an incisional hernia. Closure of a loop ileostomy is a safe operation with a low morbidity. In patients with a previous total colectomy there was a significant risk of small bowel obstruction after ileostomy closure.     

Early closure of temporary stoma of the small bowel

AIM: Transient small bowel stoma is usually closed 9-12 weeks after initial operation (late closure). Since these stoma have a poor physiological and psychological impact with frequent social consequences, we wanted to estimate feasibility and results of early closure of small bowel stoma. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From January 1998 to December 2001, 39 patients (21 women and 18 men, mean age: 64 years) with a transient small bowel stoma were elected for early closure. Early closure was performed only if the patient was in good condition, and without developing wound or general sepsis. In the other patients, the stoma was closed in the usually recommended delay (> 8 weeks). Fifteen patients had an early closure of their stoma in a mean delay of 10.0 +/- 0.8 days after the initial procedure. Twenty-four patients had a late closure of their stoma in a mean delay of 11.4 +/- 3.7 weeks. RESULTS: There were no postoperative deaths and no intestinal fistula. Four (10%) wound abscesses occurred and were managed without any surgical procedure, 3 in the early closure group (20%) and 1 in the late closure group (4%) (P=0.85, NS). Time to recovered bowel activity and to resumed oral feeding were equivalent in the two groups. The mean length of hospital stay was longer in the delayed group (34.5 +/- 18.6 days) than in the early group (23.1 +/- 4.6 days) (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Early closure of bowel stoma can be performed without major complications in elective patients. This procedure shortens hospital stay.     

The morbidity surrounding reversal of defunctioning ileostomies: a systematic review of 48 studies including 6,107 cases

Background and aims  Loop ileostomies are used currently in surgical practice to reduce the consequences of distal anastomotic failure following colorectal resection. It is often assumed that reversal of a loop ileostomy is a simple and safe procedure. However, many studies have demonstrated high morbidity rates following loop ileostomy closure. The aims of this systematic review were to examine all the existing evidence in the literature on morbidity and mortality following closure of loop ileostomy. Method  A literature search of Ovid, Embase, the Cochrane database, Google Scholar™ and Medline using Pubmed as the search engine was used to identify studies reporting on the morbidity of loop ileostomy closure (latest at June 15th 2008), was performed. Outcomes of interest included demographics, the details regarding the original indication for operation, operative and hospital-related outcomes, post-operative bowel-related complications, and other surgical and medical complications. Results  Forty-eight studies from 18 countries satisfied the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of a total of 6,107 patients were analysed. Overall morbidity following closure of loop ileostomy was found to be 17.3% with a mortality rate of 0.4%. 3.7% of patients required a laparotomy at the time of ileostomy closure. The most common post-operative complications included small bowel obstruction (7.2%) and wound sepsis (5.0%). Conclusion  The consequences of anastomotic leakage following colorectal resection are severe. However, the consequences of stoma reversal are often underestimated. Surgeons should adopt a selective strategy regarding the use of defunctioning ileostomy, and counsel patients further prior to the original surgery. In this way, patients at low risk may be spared the morbidity of stoma reversal.     

Role of Gum Chewing on the Duration of Postoperative Ileus Following Ileostomy Closure Done for Typhoid Ileal Perforation: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background/Aim:

There is ample evidence in the recent literature that gum chewing after elective colonic anastomosis decreases postoperative ileus (POI). But there are very few studies on small bowel anastomosis done in relaparotomy cases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of gum chewing on the duration of POI following small bowel anastomosis performed for the closure of intestinal stoma, made as temporary diversion in the selected cases of typhoid perforation peritonitis.

Patients and Methods:

Hundred patients undergoing elective small bowel anastomosis for the closure of stoma were randomly assigned to the study group (n=50) and the control group (n=50). The study group patients chewed gum thrice a day for 1 h each time starting 6 h after the surgery until the passage of first flatus. The control group patients had standard postoperative treatment.

Results:

Study and control group patients were comparable at inclusion. The mean time for the appearance of bowel sounds as well as the passage of first flatus was significantly shorter in the study group (P=0.040, P=0.006). The feeling of hunger was also experienced earlier in study group cases (P=0.004). The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the study group, but the difference was not significant (P=0.059).

Conclusions:

The cases of relaparotomy requiring additional adhesiolysis and small bowel anastomosis for stoma closure are benefited by postoperative gum chewing.     

Stoma complications

PURPOSE: A retrospective analysis of enteric stomas performed at Cook County Hospital was undertaken to evaluate stoma complications per stoma type and configuration and operating service. In addition, we attempted to identify factors predictive of increased enteric stoma complications. METHODS: From 1976 to 1995, data cards on 1,616 patients with stomas were compiled by Cook County Hospital enteric stomal therapists. Data card information included age, gender, weight, early and late stoma complications, emergency status, operating service, type and configuration of the stoma, and whether the patient was seen preoperatively by an enteric stomal therapist. Data were then analyzed using a logistic regression model to identify those variables that influenced the rate of complications. RESULTS: There were 553 (34 percent) patients with complications. Among the total complications, 448 (28 percent) occurred early (<1 month postoperative), and 105 (6 percent) occurred late (>1 month). The most common early complications were skin irritation (12 percent), pain associated with poor stoma location (7 percent), and partial necrosis (5 percent). The most common late complications were skin irritation (6 percent), prolapse (2 percent), and stenosis (2 percent). The enteric stoma with the most complications was the loop ileostomy (75 percent). The enteric stoma with the least complications was the end transverse colostomy (6 percent). The general surgery service had the most complications (47 percent), followed by gynecology (44 percent), surgical oncology (37 percent), colorectal (32 percent), pediatric surgery (29 percent), and trauma (25 percent). Age, operating service, enteric stoma type and configuration, and preoperative enteric stomal therapist marking were found to be variables that influenced stoma complications. CONCLUSIONS: Complications from enteric stoma construction are common. Preoperative enteric stoma site marking, especially in older patients, and avoiding the ileostomy, particularly in the loop configuration, can help minimize complications.     

The nutritional impact of diverting stoma-related complications in elderly rectal cancer patients

Purpose

Diverting stomas following rectal cancer surgery can affect patients' quality of life, and their complications may negatively affect patients' long-term outcomes and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between diverting stoma-related complications and nutritional status.

Methods

In a retrospective study of 114 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent diverting loop ileostomy following rectal cancer surgery between June 2004 and March 2011, we analyzed retrospectively diverting stoma-related complications and nutrition status for the following time periods: before stoma construction, before stoma closure, and after stoma closure.

Results

Complications related to the diverting stoma developed in 24 (21.1 %) patients and complications related to stoma closure in 11 (9.6 %) patients. Nutritional screening performed prior to stoma closure showed that patients who experienced stoma formation-related complications had lower albumin levels (P?=?0.016) and lower total lymphocytes (P?=?<0.0001). Body weight loss was more severe in patients with stoma-related complication (P?=?0.036).

Conclusions

Diverting stoma-related complications may affect patient's nutritional status. Stoma closure operation and proper nutritional support may be important for avoiding complications and improving patients' long-term outcomes and quality of life.     

Wound infection after ileostomy closure: a prospective randomized study comparing primary vs. delayed primary closure techniques

Background Closure of ileostomy is considered a contaminated operation. The infection rate of the stoma wound is ≥30%. Several ileostomy–closure techniques intended to reduce the high rate of infection have been described in the literature. Among them, delayed primary closure of the stoma wound is a commonly used method that was reported to reduce the infection rate according to several retrospective studies. We therefore conducted the first prospective randomized trial comparing primary with delayed primary closure of a stoma wound. Methods During 2003, 40 patients were admitted to our ward for closure of ileostomy. The ileostomies were taken down by the same team using the same surgical technique except for the technique of wound closure. We randomly divided the patients into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 20), the wound was left open for delayed primary closure and not closed until postoperative day 4. In Group 2, the wound was primarily closed at the end of the procedure. Results The total wound infection rate was relatively low (15%). Infection occurred more frequently (4 cases, 20%) in Group 1 than in Group 2 (2 cases, 10%). The length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. Conclusions In this first prospective comparison of two techniques during ileostomy take down, primary closure unexpectedly produced less wound infection than delayed primary closure.     

Quality of Life after Low Anterior Resection and Temporary Loop Ileostomy

Purpose Low anterior resection has become the operation of choice for mid rectal or low rectal cancer. A defunctioning stoma is routinely created at some centers to decrease the risk of leakage requiring surgical intervention. This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life in patients undergoing low anterior resection with a temporary ileostomy. Methods A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 22 patients with rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection with a loop ileostomy. Quality of life was assessed by using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR38 questionnaires. Twenty-five patients who underwent high anterior resection for rectosigmoid cancer were studied concurrently to evaluate the impact of major colorectal resection without a stoma. Results Patients’ scores on the quality of life questionnaires generally improved after high anterior resection; however, for patients who underwent low anterior resection, the scores for physical and role functioning before ileostomy closure were worse than the preoperative values. The scores on the quality of life questionnaires generally improved after ileostomy closure. Ileostomy closure required a short hospital stay and was rarely associated with complications. Conclusion Patients who underwent low anterior resection with ileostomy had significant reductions in physical and role functioning, which apparently improved after ileostomy closure. Similar declines in these quality of life variables were not found in patients who underwent high anterior resection. A temporary ileostomy should be created in selected patients with the highest risk of anastomotic leakage. Increased resources for not only surgical care but also for stoma therapy are necessary for patients who undergo low anterior resection with a temporary ileostomy. Presented at the meeting of The Japan Society of Coloproctology, Tokyo, Japan, November 2 to 3, 2007.