Transient small bowel stoma is usually closed 9-12 weeks after initial operation (late closure). Since these stoma have a poor physiological and psychological impact with frequent social consequences, we wanted to estimate feasibility and results of early closure of small bowel stoma.

From January 1998 to December 2001, 39 patients (21 women and 18 men, mean age: 64 years) with a transient small bowel stoma were elected for early closure. Early closure was performed only if the patient was in good condition, and without developing wound or general sepsis. In the other patients, the stoma was closed in the usually recommended delay (> 8 weeks). Fifteen patients had an early closure of their stoma in a mean delay of 10.0 ± 0.8 days after the initial procedure. Twenty-four patients had a late closure of their stoma in a mean delay of 11.4 ± 3.7 weeks.

There were no postoperative deaths and no intestinal fistula. Four (10%) wound abscesses occurred and were managed without any surgical procedure, 3 in the early closure group (20%) and 1 in the late closure group (4%) (P = 0.85, NS). Time to recovered bowel activity and to resumed oral feeding were equivalent in the two groups. The mean length of hospital stay was longer in the delayed group (34.5 ± 18.6 days) than in the early group (23.1 ± 4.6 days) (P ≪ 0.01).

Early closure of bowel stoma can be performed without major complications in elective patients. This procedure shortens hospital stay.