The feasibility of routine use of distal stoma refeeding method in newborns with enterostomy

Objective: Temporary enterostomies are life-saving in neonatal surgery, however, causing loss of fluid electrolyte, delays in distal bowel adaptation and thus delayed growth of newborns. In this study, we aimed to present the method and clinical results of distal stoma refeeding in premature and mature neonates.Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2017, records of newborn patients who underwent enterostomy and distal stoma refeeding were retrospectively analyzed. Premature and full term neonates who had distal stoma refeeding were evaluated by stoma indications, resection status, duration of total parenteral nutrition use, time of stoma closure operation and surgery findings.Results: Distal stoma refeeding was performed to 23 newborns in study period. Surgical diagnosis of newborns were meconium ileus, focal intestinal perforation, volvulus, necrotizing enterocolitis, ileal atresia, jejunal atresia, and gastroschisis. The bowel resection was performed in 14 patients. Stoma closure was done on the average day 77th. Total parenteral nutrition was given average 28 d and no total parenteral nutrition complication was seen. The stoma closure operations were performed easily.Conclusions: Distal stoma refeeding is safe and successful method. The success of distal stoma refeeding depends on expert team, time, and equipment.