Common causes of ileitis following ileostomy have been mentioned and, in particular, comments made in regard to prestomal ileitis seen in Australia. From a survey of 31 Australian surgeons, it appears that this is a rare entity in Australia. The reason for the difference between the incidence in America and that in Australia has not been found. Is it because Crohn’s disease is much more common in America than in Australia? Perhaps many of the cases of prestomal ileitis seen in America are due to atypical Crohn’s disease. It also seems possible that the underlying cause of ileitis is vascular, and this could be related to the technic of ileostomy construction. Early recognition is vital, and radical surgery may be necessary as a life-saving measure.