Improving the time to ileostomy closure following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK.
Irene VogelPeter G Vaughan-ShawKatherine GashKathleen L WithersGrace Carolan-ReesMichael ThorntonPawan Kumar Dhruvao RaoJared TorkingtonJulie A CornishPublished in: Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (2021)
There is a lack of national guidance in timing of contrast studies and ileostomy closure. Key aspects to consider are better information at consent regarding stoma closure timing, a dedicated person to track patients and the planning of contrast studies at discharge from initial surgery. With a dedicated approach closure of ileostomy within 10-12 weeks is feasible for most units.