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Incisional Hernia Following Ileostomy Closure: Incidence and Associated Factors in a Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Incisional hernia is a recognised complication following ileostomy closure and may lead to significant morbidity, reduced quality of life, and the need for further surgical intervention.Reported incidence varies considerably depending on the detection method and follow-up duration.This study aimed to determine the incidence of radiologically detected incisional hernia following ileostomy closure and evaluate associated patient-related factors in patients with available postoperative CT imaging.Methodology: We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study at East Surrey Hospital.Adult patients undergoing ileostomy closure between January 2018 and December 2021 were identified.Patients without adequate radiological follow-up were excluded.Demographic and clinical variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and diabetes mellitus, were collected.The primary outcome was the development of an incisional hernia at the ileostomy closure site during follow-up.Results: One hundred patients met the inclusion criteria.Forty-five patients developed an incisional hernia, giving a radiologically detected incidence of 45%.Patients who developed a hernia had a significantly higher mean BMI than those who did not (29.2 ± 5.7 kg/m² vs. 25.5 ± 5.7 kg/m², P = 0.002).Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was significantly more common among patients who developed a hernia (51.1% vs. 27.3%,P = 0.025).No statistically significant associations were observed for age, sex, smoking status, or diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: Radiologically detected incisional hernia following ileostomy closure occurred in 45 (45%) patients in this cohort.Elevated BMI and obesity were significantly associated with hernia formation.These findings support preoperative risk stratification and optimisation of weight-related factors before stoma reversal.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.116994

Authors: Ahmed Tawfik, Khaldoun Fozo

Institutions: St Peter's Hospital, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Language: English

Topic: Stoma care and complications

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7214518042