Improving the time to ileostomy closure following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK

Delayed closure of ileostomy following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK is common. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the variation in patient pathways between hospitals, (ii) to identify the key learning points from units with the shortest time to closure and (iii) to develop guidance for a pathway to minimize delay in ileostomy closure.This was a mixed methods study. Thirty-eight colorectal units in the UK...