Diverting ileostomy: reversal ratio and non-reversing reason

Abstract

Aim: To investigate ileostomy reversal rate and reasons for non-reversalMethod: Demographic data, surgery type, ileostomy closure time and non-reversal reasons were investigated retrospectively in 525 patients with diverting ileostomy between January 2008 and April 2019.Results: Twenty-six patients could not be contacted. The mean age was 55.8 years. Out of 499 patients, 57.1% (285) were male and 42.9% (214) were female. Malignant disease was more common 429 (86%) than benign 70 (14%). 454 diverting ileostomies were closed with a ratio of 91%. Mean time before closure was 270 (30–1993) days. 136 (29.9%) ileostomies were closed in the first 6 months and 373 (82.2%) in the first year. Most common non-reversal reasons were systemic disease (n = 26, 57.9%), anastomosis related problems (n = 11, 24.4%) and local recurrence (n = 4, 8.9%). Ileostomy related acute renal failure developed in 2 (4.4%) patients and one died. Co-morbidity related high anaesthesia risk was the reason for one (2.2%) patient who did not have stoma reversal. Mean life spent with ileostomy was 1381 (16–4017) days in non-reversal group.Conclusion: Nearly 10% of diverting ileostomies performed with intention to be reversed, turned out to be permanent. Early post-surgery complications may be an alert for permanent stoma. Although rare, patient loss may occur.