Laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy.

OBJECTIVE: The technical features of laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy are described. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A diverting ileostomy or colostomy can be performed with minimal trauma by laparoscopic techniques. This is distinct from the complex laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted resections of small and large bowel. To date the technical features of creating a diverting ileostomy or colostomy have not been emphasized sufficiently. METHODS: Standard laparoscopic techniques are used to create a pneumoperitoneum. After mobilization of the ileum or colon, a stoma is made on the abdominal wall. A trocar is introduced at the site where the stoma is located, thus reducing the technical problems associated with creating and maturing a stoma while the abdomen is insufflated. RESULTS: This approach obviates the need for a laparotomy while creating an ileostomy or colostomy. The technical features of creating a double-barrel ostomy, an end-ostomy with a stapled distal limb, and a loop ostomy are described. The postoperative recovery is prompt with a rapid return of intestinal function and early discharge from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ileostomy and colostomy are straightforward procedures that reduce postoperative discomfort and ileus, and reduce the length of hospital stay.     

De-functioning stomas: a prospective controlled trial comparing loop ileostomy with loop transverse colostomy

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery who required a defunctioning stoma were randomly allocated to receive either a loop ileostomy (n = 23) or transverse loop colostomy (n = 24). Assessment was made during construction, immediately postoperatively, during the period of outpatient supervision and before and after stoma closure. The ileostomy was associated with significantly less odour than the colostomy (P less than 0.01) and required significantly less appliance changes (P less than 0.05). Furthermore eleven patients (58 per cent) with a colostomy experienced three or more problems with stoma management compared with only three patients (18 per cent) with an ileostomy (P less than 0.05). Wound infection was also significantly more common after closure of the colostomy compared with the ileostomy. Both types of stoma were demonstrated objectively to defunction the distal bowel almost completely. These results indicate that a loop ileostomy is the procedure of first choice when a stoma is needed to defunction the distal colorectum.     

The role of intestinal stoma in patients with spinal cord injury

In the long term following spinal cord injury, bowel dysfunction causes major physical and psychological problems. A retrospective review of intestinal stomas performed in patients with spinal cord injury over a 10 year period was performed to investigate their role in alleviating these problems. Twelve patients underwent left iliac fossa end colostomy and two patients right iliac fossa end ileostomy. The mean age of patients at operation was 54.8 years (20-65), and the mean time from injury to stoma formation was 15 years (2-37). The mean period of unsatisfactory bowel management before stoma formation was 5.4 years (1.5-2.5). Following colostomy the mean time spent on bowel care per week fell from 8.8 h (0.6-12.2) to 1.4 h (0.3-3.5) and independence in bowel care rose from 50 to 92%. All patients stated that their bowel care was easier and 83% said their independence had increased. Ninety-two per cent wished colostomy had been offered earlier and no patient undergoing colostomy wanted it reversed. The most common complication following colostomy was exclusion colitis. The mean time of follow-up post colostomy formation was 38 months (7-130). Formation of an intestinal stoma is a safe, effective and well accepted treatment for selected patients with intractable problems of bowel management following spinal cord injury.     

Morbidity of Ostomy Takedown

Purpose Creation of a temporary ostomy is a surgical tool to divert stool from a more distal area of concern (anastomosis, inflammation, etc). To provide a true benefit, the morbidity/mortality from the ostomy takedown itself should be minimal. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate our own experience and determine the complications and mortality of stoma closure in relation to the type and location of the respective ostomy. Methods Patients undergoing an elective takedown of a temporary ostomy at our teaching institution between January 1999 and July 2005 were included in our analysis, and the medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Excluded were only patients with relevant chart deficiencies and nonelective stoma revisions/takedowns. Data collected included general demographics; the type and location of the stoma; the operative technique; and the type, timing, and impact of complications. Perioperative morbidity was defined as complications occurring within 30 days from the operation. Results 156 patients (median age 45 years, range 18–85) were included in the analysis: 31 loop and 59 end colostomy reversals and 56 loop and 10 end ileostomy takedowns. Mean follow-up was 6 months. The overall mortality rate was low (0.65%, 1/156 patients). However, the morbidity rate was 36.5% (57 patients), with 6 (3.8%) systemic complications and 51 (32.7%) local complications. Minor would infection (34 patients, 21.8%) and postoperative ileus (9 patients, 5.7%) were the most common surgery-related complications, but they generally resolved with conservative management. Anastomotic leak and formation/persistence of an enterocutaneous fistula (6 patients, 3.8%) were the most serious local complications and required reintervention in all of the patients. Closure of a loop colostomy accounted for half and Hartmann reversals for one third of these complications, as opposed to ileostomy takedowns, which accounted for only one sixth (1.8% absolute risk). Conclusion Takedown of a temporary ostomy has a low mortality but a nonnegligible morbidity. The stoma location (large vs. small bowel) has a higher impact than the type of stoma construction (end vs. loop) on the incidence and severity of complications.     

The effects of colostomy on the quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostomy on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) by designing a questionnaire that used self-reported data and correlating these data with the clinical information obtained from patients' medical records. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive QOL questionnaire was designed to specifically address the following 5 domains: physical health, psychosocial adjustment, body image, self-efficacy, and recreation/leisure. This questionnaire was completed during a telephone or an in-person interview. The subjective data derived from the questionnaire were correlated with objective medical information obtained from a review of medical records. RESULTS: The QOL improved significantly (t = 9.1 28, P < .0001) after colostomy. All 27 (100%) patients were "satisfied," and 16 (59%) of them were "very satisfied" with colostomy. Nineteen (70%) patients would have preferred to have the colostomy done earlier, and only 3 (11%) patients wished it reversed. Colostomy reduced the number of hospitalizations caused by chronic bowel dysfunction by 70.4%. After colostomy, the average amount of time spent on bowel care was reduced from 117.0 min/day to 12.8 min/day (t = 7.964, P < .0001). All patients stated that colostomy simplified bowel care routine and increased independence. Significant improvements were recorded in the areas of physical health, psychosocial adjustment, and self-efficacy. Stoma prolapse and wound dehiscence were the most common complications of stomal surgery. When compared with medical data, patients were able to reliably recall average time with bowel problems (r = .881, P < .0001) and stomal surgery complications (r = .810, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Colostomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury. It is well accepted by the patients and significantly improves QOL and bowel management procedures. Correlation analysis indicates that subjective patient-reported data are consistent with objective data obtained from the medical records.     

Quality of Life of Stoma Patients: Temporary Ileostomy versus Colostomy

Abstract Ileostomy for proximal diversion as a preferred option over colostomy has been a recent topic of interest. Our study evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of patients with a temporary ileostomy and compared it with that of patients with a temporary colostomy. The QOL of 25 patients with an ileostomy (median age 42 years, range 22–76 years) was compared with that for 25 patients with a colostomy (median age 44 years, range 18–70 years). Indications for a stoma were rectal carcinoma, trauma, inflammatory bowel disease, anastomotic leak, or incontinence following an operative procedure for rectal prolapse. The study was conducted at a median of 8 weeks (range 6–16 weeks) for ileostomy patients and of 9 weeks (range 5–17 weeks) for colostomy patients following stoma creation. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used, with responses obtained for 10 QOL questions on a visual analog rating scale (0–100 mm); they were graded good (71–100), satisfactory (31–70), or poor (0–30). Altogether, 22 (88%) patients with an ileostomy, compared with 16 (64%) patients with a colostomy, were able to purchase their stomal appliances (p = 0.09, χ ²: NS). Effluent was tolerable in 18 (72%) patients with an ileostomy compared with 7 (28%) patients with a colostomy (p = 0.002, χ ²). Appetite was not affected in any of the patients with an ileostomy (100%), compared with 64% of patients with a colostomy (p = 0.002, χ ²), travel by public transport 32% compared to 28% with colostomy (NS), dress in 20% compared to 24% with colostomy (NS), and daily activities 28% compared to 24% with colostomy (NS). Moreover, 68% with an ileostomy did not have a problem with hygiene compared with 40% with a colostomy (NS); 95% with an ileostomy abstained from sexual activity compared with 81% with a colostomy (p = 0.21, χ ²: NS). Both ileostomy and colostomy resulted in significant QOL impairment. However, with ileostomy, the effluent was more tolerable, had less of an impact on personal hygiene, and preserved the appetite compared with colostomy. There were no differences in travel, dress, daily chores, or sexual activity between the two groups.     

结肠襻式和回肠襻式造口并发症发生风险的Meta分析

目的 评价结肠襻式造口和回肠襻式造口的并发症发生风险.方法 检索Medline、Embase、Cochrane Library、Google Scholar及万方数据库公开发表的比较结肠襻式造口和回肠襻式造口并发症发生风险的论文;检索文献发表时间至2011年4月15日.通过Meta分析,定量评价两者的并发症发生率,采用Z检验分析数据,采用Q检验检测异质性.结果 本研究一共纳入5篇随机对照研究和8篇非随机对照研究,共有1752例研究对象.与回肠襻式造口术比较,结肠襻式造口发生造口脱垂的风险较大,差异有统计学意义(OR =3.46,95％CI为1.81～6.63,P＜0.05);两种造口术后发生造口出血、狭窄、切口感染、造口坏死、造口周围皮炎、造口旁疝等并发症风险比较,差异无统计学意义.与回肠襻式造口回纳术比较,结肠襻式造口回纳术后发生切口感染的风险较大,差异有统计学意义(OR =3.44,95％CI为1.95～6.05,P＜0.05);回肠襻式造口回纳术后肠梗阻的发生风险较大,差异有统计学意义(OR=0.43,95％ CI为0.20～0.91,P＜0.05);两种造口回纳术后发生肠液漏风险比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 结肠襻式造口术后发生造口脱垂及回纳术后切口感染的风险较大,而回肠攀式造口回纳术后肠梗阻发生的风险较大.     

Effect of stoma formation on bowel care and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION: Bowel management is a significant source of concern for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and may significantly alter quality of life. The effect of colostomy formation on both quality of life and time taken for bowel care is well recorded. We report our experience of intestinal stoma formation in SCI patients. METHODS: Medical records from the spinal unit, operating theatres and stoma clinics were reviewed to identify SCI patients for whom a stoma had been formed. Patients were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Average age at injury was 29 years (range 6-62 years). Mean time from injury to stoma formation was 17 years (range 0-36.25 years) and the mean period of poor bowel function prior to stoma was 8 years (range 1.5-25). RESULTS: The average time spent on bowel care per week decreased from 10.3 h (range 3.5-45) prior to stoma formation to 1.9 h (range 0.5-7.75) afterwards (P<0.0001, paired t-test). In all, 18 patients felt that a stoma gave them greater independence and quality of life was described as much better by 25 patients. Complications occurred in 14 patients - eight described leakage of mucus and occasionally blood and pus per rectum, three developed parastomal hernias and three developed bowel obstruction. CONCLUSION: Elective stoma formation is a safe and well-accepted treatment for the management of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with SCI.     

The Effects Of Colostomy On The Quality Of Life In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostomy on the quality of life (QOL) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) by designing a questionnaire that used self-reported data and correlating these data with the clinical information obtained from patients' medical records.

Materials and methods: A comprehensive QOL questionnaire was designed to specifically address the following 5 domains: physical health, psychosocial adjustment, body image, self-efficacy, and recreation/leisure. This questionnaire was completed during a telephone or an in-person interview. The subjective data derived from the questionnaire were correlated with objective medical information obtained from a review of medical records.

Results: The QOL improved significantly (t = 9.128, P < .0001) after colostomy. All 27 (100%) patients were “satisfied,” and 16 (59%) of them were “very satisfied” with colostomy. Nineteen (70%) patients would have preferred to have the colostomy done earlier, and only 3(11%) patients wished it reversed. Colostomy reduced the number of hospitalizations caused by chronic bowel dysfunction by 70.4%. After colostomy, the average amount of time spent on bowel care was reduced from 117.0 min/day to 12.8 min/day (t = 7.964, P < .0001). All patients stated that colostomy simplified bowel care routine and increased independence. Significant improvements were recorded in the areas of physical health, psychosocial adjustment, and self-efficacy. Stoma prolapse and wound dehiscence were the most common complications of stomal surgery. When compared with medical data, patients were able to reliably recall average time with bowel problems (r = .881, P < .0001) and stomal surgery complications (r = .810, P < .0001).

Conclusion: Colostomy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic bowel dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury. It is well accepted by the patients and significantly improves QOL and bowel management procedures. Correlation analysis indicates that subjective patient-reported data are consistent with objective data obtained from the medical records.     

Optimal treatment for severe neurogenic bowel dysfunction after chronic spinal cord injury: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND: When conservative management fails in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic bowel dysfunction, clinicians have to choose from a variety of treatment options which include colostomy, ileostomy, Malone anterograde continence enema (MACE) and sacral anterior root stimulator (SARS) implantation. This study employed a decision analysis to examine the optimal treatment for bowel management of young individuals with chronic refractory constipation in the setting of chronic SCI. METHODS: A decision analysis was created to compare the four surgical strategies using baseline analysis, one-way and two-way sensitivity analyses, 'worst scenario' and 'best scenario' sensitivity analyses, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) was the primary outcome. RESULTS: The baseline analysis indicated that patients who underwent the MACE procedure had the highest QALE value compared with the other interventions. Sensitivity analyses showed that these results were robust. CONCLUSION: The MACE procedure may provide the best long-term outcome in terms of the probability of improving bowel function, reducing complication rates and the incidence of autonomic dysreflexia, and being congruent with patients' preferences. The analysis was sensitive to changes in assumptions about quality of life/utility, and thus the results could change if more specific estimates of utility became available.     

Soins de stomie

Despite recent advances in gastrointestinal surgery improving the limits of conservation of digestive continuity, both temporary and definitive stomas still play an important role. There are several types of gastrointestinal diversions (ileostomy and colostomy). Any patient requiring a stoma must have a preoperative consultation with a nurse to mark the position stoma. The management of a stoma is easy and can be achieved in all patients. Sometimes the stoma may lead to complications such as (deshydratation, burns, bowel dysfunction, prolapse and parastomial hernia). To avoid these complications, special attention should be paid during the surgery and follow-up of patients.     

Anastomotic Leakage of a Colorectal Anastomosis Treated by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

Objective: To report a minimal invasive technique for repairing an anastomotic leakage with Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (T.E.M.) without creating a protective ostomy.

Summary: There are a large number of techniques for the management of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. Depending on the size and location of the disruption, a protective ileostomy, a permanent colostomy or even reïnterven-tion for drainage or closure of the leak may be indicated. In most cases the patient faces the morbidity associated with a new intervention, a prolonged hospital stay and a future operation for closure of the stoma. In the present case a 56-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection after two episodes of diverticulitis in six months. An end-to-end circular stapled anastomosis was constructed. Unfortunately 8-days postoperatively an anastomotic leak occurred. Attempts to close the tear non-surgically with colonoscopy and clipping failed. A minimally invasive reintervention with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (T.E.M.) was performed without creation of an ileostomy.

One week postoperatively a gastrografin bowel study showed no leakage. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been reported without the simultaneous construction of a stoma.

Conclusion: We describe a possible minimally invasive technique to avoid laparotomy and/or the creation of a derivative stoma in the management of anastomotic leakage. Hospital stay is not significantly prolonged, future reïntervention for closure of stoma is avoided and sphincter function is preserved.     

Safety of the temporary loop ileostomy

Objective To evaluate the complications of the temporary loop ileostomy. Method A retrospective study of 222 consecutive patients with low anterior resection, ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis or continent ileostomy and a diverting loop ileostomy routinely fashioned during the primary operation. The loop ileostomy was closed in 213 patients (96%) during the minimum follow‐up period of 15 months. Results Four patients (2%) required preterm closure of the ostomy due to stomal retraction (n = 3) or bowel obstruction (n = 1). Four patients were readmitted due to transient bowel obstruction that resolved without surgery. After closure of the loop ileostomy a total of 27 patients (13%) had complications. In 7 patients emergency re‐operation was done due to small bowel obstruction (n = 5) or intra‐abdominal abscess (n = 2). Elective re‐operation was done in 5 patients for hernia at the site of the previous stoma. Despite the use of a loop ileostomy there was 1 postoperative death after the initial operation in consequence of anastomotic leakage. There was 1 death in consequence of closure of the loop ileostomy after 3 weeks due to intra‐abdominal sepsis and heart failure. Conclusion In this series closure of the ostomy wasassociated with one death (0.5%) and overall ostomy‐related morbidity included the need to re‐operate in 6%.     

Betel leaf in stoma care

Background/Purpose

Construction of a stoma is a common procedure in pediatric surgical practice. For care of these stomas, commercially available devices such as ostomy bag, either disposable or of longer duration are usually used. These are expensive, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, and proper-sized ones are not always available. We have found an alternative for stoma care, betel leaf, which is suitable for Bangladeshis. We report the outcome of its use.

Methods

After construction of stoma, at first zinc oxide paste was applied on the peristomal skin. A betel leaf with shiny, smooth surface outwards and rough surface inwards was put over the stoma with a hole made in the center according to the size of stoma. Another intact leaf covers the stomal opening. When bowel movement occurs, the overlying intact leaf was removed and the fecal matter was washed away from both. The leaves were reused after cleaning. Leaves were changed every 2 to 3 days. From June 1998 to December 2005, in the department of pediatric surgery, Chittagong Medical College and Hospital, Chittagong, Bangladesh, a total of 623 patients had exteriorization of bowel. Of this total, 495 stomas were cared for with betel leaves and 128 with ostomy bags.

Results

Of 623 children, 287 had sigmoid colostomy, 211 had transverse colostomy, 105 had ileostomy, and 20 had jejunostomy. Of the 495 children under betel leaf stoma care, 13 patients (2.6%) developed skin excoriation. There were no allergic reactions. Of the 128 patients using ostomy bag, 52 (40.65%) had skin excoriation. Twenty-four (18.75%) children developed some allergic reactions to adhesive. Monthly costs for betel leaves were 15 cents (10 BDT), whereas ostomy bags cost about US$24.

Conclusion

In the care of stoma, betel leaves are cheap, easy to handle, nonirritant, and nonallergic.     

Randomized clinical trial comparing loop ileostomy and loop transverse colostomy for faecal diversion following total mesorectal excision

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare loop ileostomy and loop transverse colostomy as the preferred mode of faecal diversion following low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients who required proximal diversion after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision were randomized to have either a loop ileostomy or a loop transverse colostomy. Postoperative morbidity, stoma-related problems and morbidity following closure were compared. RESULTS: From April 1999 to November 2000, 42 patients had a loop ileostomy and 38 had a loop transverse colostomy constructed following low anterior resection. Postoperative intestinal obstruction and prolonged ileus occurred more commonly in patients with an ileostomy (P = 0.037). There was no difference in time to resumption of diet, length of hospital stay following stoma closure and incidence of stoma-related complications after discharge from hospital. A total of seven patients had intestinal obstruction from the time of stoma creation to stoma closure (six following ileostomy and one following colostomy; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Intestinal obstruction and ileus are more common after loop ileostomy than loop colostomy. Loop transverse colostomy should be recommended as the preferred method of proximal faecal diversion.     

Intestinal stomas

The formation of an intestinal stoma (usually ileostomy or colostomy) is an integral part of the surgical management of several pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract – in both emergency and elective patients. The basic underlying principle is that faecal flow is diverted from the site of the pathology by bringing the end or a loop of bowel through the anterior abdominal wall. A stoma may be created in a temporary or permanent role to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with several conditions of the gastrointestinal including perforation, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction and elective cancer operations. Early complications of stoma formation include ischaemic necrosis of the stoma, stomal retraction and obstruction with later potential complications of parastomal hernia formation, stomal prolapse and peristomal skin changes.     

Experiences of Swedish men and women 6 to 12 weeks after ostomy surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe patients' experiences, with a focus on body image, 6 to 12 weeks after a stoma operation. METHOD: Nine patients (8 of whom received preoperative teaching) and who were expected to have their colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy for at least 6 months were interviewed about their feelings, attitudes, and life experiences after undergoing ostomy surgery. MAIN OUTCOME: Seven themes were identified: alienation from the body, altered body image, influences on sexual life, uncertainty, influences on social life, influences on sports and leisure activities, and physical problems. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that 8 of the 9 subjects were given comprehensive preoperative teaching, all of the interviewees reported that the stoma influenced their daily life in many unexpected ways, and some expressed severe difficulty in coming to terms with the stoma. With a deeper understanding of patients' experiences, the WOC nurse and other health care staff can more effectively prepare and support patients in adapting to their new situation.     

Intestinal stomas

The formation of an intestinal stoma (usually ileostomy or colostomy) is an integral part of the surgical management of several pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract – in both emergency and elective patients. The basic underlying principle is that faecal flow is diverted from the site of the pathology by bringing the end or a loop of bowel through the anterior abdominal wall. A stoma may be created in a temporary or permanent role to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with several conditions of the gastrointestinal tract including perforation, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction and elective cancer operations. Early complications of stoma formation include ischaemic necrosis of the stoma, stomal retraction and obstruction with later potential complications of parastomal hernia formation, stomal prolapse and peristomal skin changes.     

Intestinal stomas

The formation of an intestinal stoma (usually ileostomy or colostomy) is an integral part of the surgical management of several pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract – in both emergency and elective patients. The basic underlying principle is that faecal flow is diverted from the site of the pathology by bringing the end or a loop of bowel through the anterior abdominal wall. A stoma may be created in a temporary or permanent role to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with several conditions of the gastrointestinal including perforation, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction and elective cancer operations. Early complications of stoma formation include ischaemic necrosis of the stoma, stomal retraction and obstruction with later potential complications of parastomal hernia formation, stomal prolapse and peristomal skin changes.     

Comparison of Outcomes Following Ileostomy versus Colostomy for Defunctioning Colorectal Anastomoses

Background The present study evaluated outcomes of patients undergoing proximal diversion using either a loop ileostomy or loop colostomy following distal colorectal resection for malignant and non-malignant disease. Methods A literature search of the Medline, Ovid, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies published between 1966 and 2006, comparing loop ileostomy and loop colostomy to protect a distal colorectal anastomosis. A random effect meta-analytical technique was used and sensitivity analysis performed on studies published since 2000, higher quality papers, those reporting on 70 or more patients, and those reporting outcomes following colorectal cancer resections. Results Seven studies, including three randomised controlled trials, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of a total of 1,204 patients were analysed, of whom 719 (59.7%) underwent defunctioning loop ileostomy. High stoma output was more common following ileostomy formation (OR = 5.39, 95% CI: 1.11, 26.12, P = 0.04), but wound infections following their reversal were significantly fewer (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.62, P = 0.004). Overall complications were less frequent for ileostomy patients in the subgroup of high quality studies (OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.59, P = 0.003). Conclusion The results of this meta-analysis suggest that ileostomy may be preferable to colostomy when used to defunction a distal colorectal anastomosis. Wound infections following stoma reversal were reduced, as were overall stoma-related complications and incisional hernia following stoma reversal for ileostomy patients in high quality studies.