Complications following closure of loop ileostomy.

The morbidity and mortality of 50 patients undergoing closure of loop ileostomy was reviewed. The patients had a mean age of 57.9 years and significant intercurrent disease. There were no in-hospital deaths or anastomotic leakage at the site of closure. Small bowel obstruction occurred in 12% of patients, all of whom responded to conservative treatment. The wound infection rate was 14%, but the development of a wound infection did not result in a significantly longer hospital stay. We conclude that, when a careful technique of sharp dissection is used, closure of a loop ileostomy is associated with an acceptably low incidence of complications even in elderly and often unwell patients.