Timely Closure of Ileostomies: A Regional Australian Hospital’s Experience

This study explores the timing and reasons for delaying loop ileostomy closure in regional Australian hospitals. Of the 123 patients who received loop ileostomies between 2010 and 2020, 86.2% had their stomas reversed. Patients with rectal cancer experienced a median time to closure of 8.5 months, while non-rectal cancer patients had a median closure time of 5.2 months. Delays were often due to clinical concerns and non-clinical factors. The study recommends early waiting list placement and improved coordination for faster reversal surgery and reduced complications.