Does type of colostomy influence outcome of colostomy closure?

A retrospective analysis of 81 patients who had closure of colostomy over a 32-month period was carried out to establish factors affecting the outcome of this operation. Their ages averaged 27 years and there were 69 male patients. The sigmoid colon was the most common site and the loop colostomy was most frequently performed. The majority were closed 3 or more months after construction. Loop colostomy took significantly less time to close and patients were fed significantly earlier compared with the other types. Patients who underwent closure after Hartmann's procedure had the longest hospital stay. The complication rate was 12% and there was no mortality. Colostomy closures in this study had minimal complications and no mortality. The loop colostomy is as easy to close as it is to perform and results in shorter hospital stay.