Randomised controlled trials in which loop ileostomy and loop colostomy in patients undergoing anterior resection were compared
| Author | Number | Primary outcome | Main findings | Conclusions |
| Williams et al32 | 47 (23 LI vs 24 LC) | Stoma-related morbidity | LI: 3 (18%) LC: 11 (58%) | Favoured: LI |
| Khoury et al33 | 61 (32 LI vs 29 LC) | Anastomotic leakage after primary surgery | LI: 2 (6%) LC: 6 (21%) | Favoured: LI |
| Gooszen et al34 | 76 (37 LI vs 39 LC) | Stoma-related morbidity | LI: 9 (24%) LC: 1 (3%) | Favoured: LC |
| Edwards et al35 | 70, (34 LI vs 36 LC) | Clinically relevant anastomotic leakage | LI: 2 (6%) LC: 1 (3%) More other stoma-related complications in the LC group | Favoured: LI |
| Law et al36 | 80 (42 LI vs 38 LC) | Ileus after primary surgery | LI: 6 (14%) LC: 1 (3%) 5 cases of postoperative ileus, 2 of intestinal obstruction before stoma closure | Favoured: LC |
LC, loop colostomy; LI, loop ileostomy.