Risk factors for infectious enteritis after temporary stoma closure following colorectal cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background: This study aimed to identify risk factors for infectious enteritis after temporary stoma closure in patients undergoing primary colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 201 patients who underwent stoma closure between 2009 and 2024 at our hospital was conducted using patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative factors. Infectious enteritis was defined as Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher, based on clinical symptoms and treatment requirements. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences ( P < 0.05). Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. Results: The incidence of infectious enteritis was 4%. Patients who developed infectious enteritis had significantly longer intervals between stoma creation and closure (274 vs 114 days, P = 0.002) and lower intraoperative bleeding volumes (0 vs 16 ml, P = 0.004). In exploratory regression analysis, a longer interval between stoma creation and closure was associated with the occurrence of infectious enteritis. Logistic regression identified the closure interval (per 100 days) as an independent risk factor (odds ratio: 1.574, 95% confidence interval: 1.138–2.411, P = 0.025). Conclusion: In this exploratory cohort, a longer interval between stoma creation and closure was associated with infectious enteritis after stoma closure. These findings require confirmation in larger studies and should be interpreted in the context of oncologic treatment requirements, anastomotic safety, and overall patient condition when considering the timing of stoma closure.