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Complications / problems of colostomy in infants and children
Muhammad Ali Sheikh1, Jamshed Akhtar, Soofia Ahmed
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi. drali444@yahoo.com
Insights
Pediatric colostomy construction frequently leads to complications like skin issues and bleeding. Careful surgical technique and specialized stoma care are crucial for better outcomes in infants and children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Colostomy is a vital surgical procedure for infants and children with various gastrointestinal conditions.
- Complications associated with colostomy can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of complications following colostomy construction in pediatric patients.
- To identify common problems associated with colostomy in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted on 121 pediatric patients requiring colostomy.
- Data on complications such as skin excoriation and chronic blood loss were recorded.
- Statistical analysis using the chi-square test was performed.
Main Results:
- A high frequency of colostomy-related complications was observed in 67.7% of patients.
- The most common complications included skin excoriation and chronic blood loss from the stoma.
- While certain types of colostomies showed higher complication rates, differences were not statistically significant. Four patients (3.3%) died.
Conclusions:
- Colostomy construction in children is associated with a high incidence of complications.
- Emphasizes the need for meticulous surgical technique and highlights the importance of specialized stoma care services.
Objective:
To determine the frequency of complications/problems occurring with construction of colostomy in infants and children.
Design:
Descriptive study.
Place And Duration Of Study:
Surgical Unit B, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, from September 2001 to March 2003.
Patients And Methods:
All the patients admitted in the unit who required colostomy as part of their management were included in the study. The patients who were operated upon previously or operated elsewhere and referred after having colostomy, were excluded. Problems associated with colostomy construction like skin excoriation and chronic blood loss were also recorded. Chi-square test of proportion was used to determine the p-value.
Results:
There were 121 patients. Most of the patients were operated due to anorectal malformations (n=71) and Hirschsprung's disease (41). Complications/problems related to colostomy occurred in 67.7% patients. The most common problem was skin excoriation. Second in rating was chronic blood loss from stoma. Prolapse of stoma was more common in transverse loop colostomies. Divided colostomies had higher number of complications as compared to loop colostomies, similarly, transverse colostomies had high number of complications but in both the cases difference was not statistically significant. Four (3.3%) patients died.
Conclusion:
Construction of colostomy in paediatric patients carries high frequency of complications/problems and requires careful technique. The role of stoma care clinic and enterostomal therapist can be instrumental in preventing problems associated with colostomy.
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