Fat Grafting for Improved Ileostomy Ostomy Device Fit: A Case Report

For patients with an ostomy, a poor fitting appliance may cause leakage, peristomal dermatitis, and frequent appliance changes.

The purpose of this case study was to report the outcome of fat grafting to augment peristomal soft tissue and improve appliance fit.

A 57-year-old woman with a history of Crohn's disease presented with soft-tissue deficiency and uneven contour around her ileostomy site. She was unable to properly fit an ostomy appliance, which resulted in leakage, chronic skin irritation, and frequent appliance changes. The patient underwent 2 rounds of fat grafting using fat harvested from her medial thighs and knees infused with dilute lidocaine with epinephrine. The patient noted immediate improvement after 34 cc of processed fat was injected in the first round. Appliance change frequency decreased from daily to every 3 to 4 days. A second graft of 32 cc provided 3 months later further improved appliance fit, reducing appliance change frequency to every 5 to 7 days and obviating the need to use adjustment rings and glue. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography showed increased thickness of abdominal wall subcutaneous tissues.

Fat grafting around an ostomy site presents a viable option to improve contour and appliance fit with reduced skin irritation and leakage.