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Complications of colostomies
J A Porter1, E P Salvati, R J Rubin
1Department of Surgery, Muhlenberg Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Plainfield, New Jersey.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Colostomy complications occurred in 44% of patients, with wound infections higher in urgent cases. Most complications were minor, and stoma closure had a similar complication rate.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- End colostomies are common procedures for benign and malignant conditions.
- Complication rates and risk factors require thorough investigation for improved patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and types of complications following end colostomy creation and closure.
- To identify factors influencing complication rates in colostomy patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 130 end colostomies in 126 patients.
- Data collected on stoma site, creation method, complications, and closure outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 44%, with no significant difference based on stoma site, disease, urgency, or colon segment.
- Wound infections were higher in urgently created stomas.
- Hernia incidence was similar for stomas created through the incision or separate sites.
- Colostomy closure (43 cases) had a 30% complication rate, comparable between Hartmann and transverse colostomy closures.
Conclusions:
- End colostomy complications are frequent but often manageable.
- Urgency of creation is a risk factor for wound infections.
- Stoma closure complications are similar regardless of the closure technique.