Early Ileostomy Closure for Rectal Cancer Patients in North America

Following a negative leak test (CT scan with rectally-administered water-soluble contrast on post-operative day 7, 8 or 9), patients will undergo standardized reversal of their diverting loop ileostomy (stapled side-side functional end-to end anastomosis, purse-string closure of the ileostomy wound, and no use of epidural analgesia) between post-operative days 10-14.