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Abstract Aim This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the reversal of ileostomy based on a single-center experience. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 39 patients who underwent the reversal of loop ileostomy between August 2021 and August 2023 at a District General Hospital in the UK. Results The average age of patients in the study was 65.82 years, with a standard deviation of 10.37. Reversal occurred, on average, after 755 days (2.06 years), with 41.02% of patients undergoing the procedure 1-2 years after the initial loop ileostomy. Notably, 46.1% of cases attributed the delay in reversal to COVID-19 alone. Combined factors, such as COVID-19 and adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy alone, and miscellaneous causes (patient and healthcare-related) each contributed to delays in 15.3% of patients. Complications of ileostomy, including anastomotic stricture, purulent peritonitis, prolapsed stoma, and parastomal hernia, accounted for a delay in 5.1%. Acute kidney injury caused readmissions in 15% of patients, while high output stoma and vomiting were responsible for 26% of cases. Notably, 59% of patients experienced no readmissions. Conclusions The average time for the reversal of loop ileostomy was 2 years, with COVID-19 identified as a primary contributor to delays. Recommendations include scheduling reversal dates immediately after low anterior resection to minimize delays. Addressing high output stoma and vomiting, the leading causes of readmissions, through early reversal (3-6 months) can potentially reduce complications, readmissions, and overall hospital costs, optimizing bed occupancy.
Mandal et al. (Mon,) studied this question.