EARLY VS. CONVENTIONAL STOMA CLOSURE POST-BOWEL SURGERY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background/Aim: This study aims to evaluate early stoma closure versus conventional stoma closure following defunctioning diversion stoma surgery. The focus is on complications frequency, health-related quality of life (QoL), and length of hospitalization (LoH). Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial including patients who underwent temporary stoma surgery from December 2022 to November 2023. We assessed postoperative complications, QoL, and LoH. Results: A total of 80 patients participated, with 40 in each group. Postoperative complications showed laparostoma rates of 5% in the early closure group versus 2% in the conventional group, wound infections at 36% versus 20%, intra-abdominal collections at 16% versus 22%, and anastomotic leaks at 6% versus 10%. Medical complications were comparable between the groups (26% vs. 30%). The hospital stay duration and overall mortality and morbidity rates were similar (62% vs. 46%). However, the early closure group experienced a signicant reduction in stoma care costs (90% vs. 6%) and a notable improvement in QoL. Conclusion: Early stoma closure does not increase the risk of postoperative complications, reduces stoma care costs, and signicantly improves QoL.