AIM: The aim of this study is to review the time between formation and closure of loop ileostomies following total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 170 patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer, between 1990 and 2009. Loop ileostomies were created in 8 patients. RESULTS: Of the 8 patients with defunctioning loop ileostomies, 4 received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, 3 received neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and 1 did not receive anything. There was 12.5% morbidity. The time from formation to closure for the patient with no adjuvant therapy was 3 months and for those with adjuvant therapy was 7 months. This was a significant delay. CONCLUSION: Time between formation and closure of loop ileostomy following anterior resection of rectum is significantly delayed by adjuvant chemotherapy.
AIM: The aim of this study is to review the time between formation and closure of loop ileostomies following total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 170 patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer, between 1990 and 2009. Loop ileostomies were created in 8 patients. RESULTS: Of the 8 patients with defunctioning loop ileostomies, 4 received adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, 3 received neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and 1 did not receive anything. There was 12.5% morbidity. The time from formation to closure for the patient with no adjuvant therapy was 3 months and for those with adjuvant therapy was 7 months. This was a significant delay. CONCLUSION: Time between formation and closure of loop ileostomy following anterior resection of rectum is significantly delayed by adjuvant chemotherapy.