Three-week ileostomy closure after colorectal surgery: a multicenter randomized trial of technical and postoperative outcomes

The optimal timing of temporary ileostomy closure following restorative colorectal surgery remains controversial. Although previous randomized studies have demonstrated the feasibility of early closure in carefully selected patients, the influence of closure timing on operative complexity has not been prospectively evaluated. This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared a standardized 3-week ileostomy closure strategy with conventional delayed closure, with particular emphasis on technical and postoperative outcomes.