Purse-String Versus Linear Closure After Ileostomy Reversal

This randomized study compared two wound closure and wound care protocols after reversal of a diverting ileostomy in adults previously treated surgically for rectal cancer. Participants were assigned to either purse-string skin closure with central drainage access or linear skin closure with marginal drainage access. Both protocols included temporary passive drainage and standardized postoperative wound irrigation. The study evaluated postoperative wound healing and wound-related outcomes during 30 days of follow-up. The hypothesis was that the purse-string protocol would be associated with fewer clinically important wound complications than the linear closure protocol.