Purpose: To investigate the reasons for delay, factors associated with complications pre- and post-reversal of ileostomy surgery and its outcomes across the Covid pandemic. Methods: A retrospective study was performed between 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2023. Inclusion criteria of >18 years old, loop ileostomy formed as part of anterior resection surgery (benign and malignant). Exclusion criteria were loop ileostomy performed for other colonic resections, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, defunctioning ileostomy for obstructions. Primary outcomes included complications associated with delayed closure of loop ileostomy and readmission after reversal surgery. Secondary measures included reasons for delay to surgery, complications prior to reversal surgery, morbidity and mortality. Results: 135 patients were included. 85.9% of patients experienced delays in reversal surgery. Delays were associated with higher rate of wound infection (6.04%), post-operative ileus (12.07%), anastomotic leak (1.72%), and Clostridium difficile (C.diff) infection (3.45%). Handsewn end-to-end anastomosis was associated with a higher proportion of post-operative ileus compared to stapled side to side anastomosis group. Delays were due to a long waitlist (p<0.01) and adjuvant chemotherapy (p=0.598). There were no significant differences in the delays to ileostomy reversal during the COVID pandemic. Conclusion: Reversal of ileostomy within 6 months of index surgery after adjuvant therapy could potentially reduce post-operative complications, and alleviate the burden on our healthcare system in the long run. A stapled side to side anastomosis should also be considered in patients having a delayed reversal of ileostomy.