Minimizing Enterostomy Complication in Neonates, Lessons Learnt from Three European Tertiary Centres

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatal Care
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Stoma formation in neonates is critical but linked to significant morbidity.
• Tube stoma technique, initially for short bowel patients, may mitigate neonatal stoma complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and utility of tube stomas versus conventional enterostomy in neonates.
• To evaluate tube stoma as an alternative approach in neonatal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective multicenter analysis of neonates undergoing emergency laparotomy and tube stoma (2005-2017).
• Analysis of tube stoma complications including stricture, skin lesions, enteric fistula, and prolapse.

Main Results:

• Thirty-seven neonates underwent tube stoma formation.
• Complications were low (8.1%), with two cases of enterocutaneous fistula and one of bowel stenosis requiring further surgery.

Conclusions:

• Tube stomas may prevent common complications like prolapse and skin excoriation in select neonates, particularly those with proximal enteric stomas.
• Further prospective studies are necessary to confirm the superiority of the tube stoma technique.