Temporary ileostomy for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Function and complications.

The function and complications associated with temporary ileostomies were reviewed in patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A series of 180 patients had temporary ileostomies established (157 loop, 23 Brooke). Patients with incomplete fecal diversion had a significantly higher incidence of pouch-anal anastomotic complications (44 percent) than did those with complete diversion (14 percent). Patients with loop ileostomies were more likely than patients with Brooke ileostomies to develop technique-related complications (18 percent vs. 13 percent) and peristomal irritation (54 percent vs. 26 percent). The most frequent complications after take-down of the ileostomy were transient bowel obstruction (13 percent) and peritonitis (7 percent). These complications could not be related to the type of stoma used or the interval to closure. Temporary diversion of a pouch-anal anastomosis decreased the incidence of anastomotic complications. These ileostomies, however, are associated with a significant risk of complications, which can be minimized by meticulous surgical technique.