Early same admission closure of temporary bowel stomas: pros and cones

Background: Early closure of a temporary stoma is usually associated with low morbidity and mortality. However, some cases of stoma reversal may develop complications which may need surgical correction with subsequent major complications. We aim to evaluate early bowel stoma closure; de-functioning diversion stoma closure within the same admission (8-15 days) and study morbidity, health related quality of life (QOL) and length of stay at hospital (LOH).                                                                                                          Methods: This study was done at general surgery department, Sohag faculty of medicine; in the period between March 2020 and March2021, 28 patients were closed early (at the same admission). Which are chosen randomly. The 28 patients who underwent early temporary stoma reversal following bowel surgery and abdominal exploration between March 2020 and March 2021 were included. The rate of complications (medical and surgical) following early stoma closure were assessed. Health-related QoL and LoH were assessed.Results: Total 28 patients were taken up for early stoma closure, reversal of stoma occurred between 8-15 days following its creation. Postoperative complications occurred in 53% of our patients, skin excoriation the commonest (28%). No difficulty was encountered during stoma closure surgery. Post-operative complications occurred in 53% of patients. 5 patients develop Ileus which were managed conservatively and one patient (3.5%) develop intra-abdominal abscess and treated with aspiration under sonographic guided. In our study no mortality occurred.Conclusions: Early stoma closure is feasible in selected patients, with reduced hospital stay, adhesions, bowel obstruction and medical complications and leads to better QOL, but a higher wound complication rate.