Ostomy prolapse in paraplegic patients: etiology, prevention, and treatment

Colostomies are sometimes used to manage those SCI patients who have large pressure sores that are frequently soiled by stool. Seventeen such patients in an Acute Spinal Cord Injury Unit were reviewed to define the problem of ostomy prolapse in paraplegic patients. It was concluded that prolapse is more likely in those patients with an injury at or above the T-10 level. The two patients who had loop colostomies developed prolapse. Those ostomies that were end-sigmoid and exteriorized into an area where there was sensation and abdominal wall muscular integrity were the most successful.