Factors affecting the morbidity of colostomy closure: a retrospective study

Placement of SurgiWrap® adhesion barrier film around the protective loop stoma after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery may reduce the peristomal adhesion severity and facilitate the closure

PURPOSE

A temporary loop stoma is often created after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. Peristomal adhesions may make stoma closure into a complicated operation. We demonstrated how to place the SurgiWrap® adhesion barrier film and evaluated the peristomal adhesion severity and feasibility of stoma closure.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study. Patients were divided into a study group (placement of adhesion barrier film) and a control group (no placement). Patient characteristics, operative data, and severity of adhesions were recorded. We used logistic regression to probe the association between the variables and the adhesion severity.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients were identified with 60 in the study group and 120 in the control group. In the study group, the adhesion severity (p < 0.001), operative time (p = 0.025), and time to flatus (p = 0.042) are significantly reduced. In logistic regression analysis, placement of the film (p < 0.001), neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.041), and time interval between stoma creation and closure ≧ 12 weeks (p = 0.038) are three significant factors influencing the peristomal adhesion.

CONCLUSION

The placement of SurgiWrap® adhesion barrier film around the loop stoma after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery may reduce the peristomal adhesion severity and facilitate the stoma closure in terms of operative time and time to flatus.

Modified triangulating stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma

PURPOSE

To describe a new stapling technique for closure of a temporary loop stoma and report the results of a retrospective investigation of its efficacy.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients underwent a total of 40 loop stoma closure procedures, performed by the same surgeon using the same method, between 2004 and 2009. Thirty-six procedures were performed after rectal surgery, 1 was done for rectal malignant lymphoma, 2 were performed in the same patient after resection of rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and 1 was performed after colonic surgery. The short-term outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. For this technique, after the minimum necessary dissection of both limbs of the bowel from the abdominal wall, the everted part of the oral limb is returned to its proper anatomy. The stoma is closed in the vertical direction using two lines of staples in an everted fashion.

RESULTS

The stoma was located in the terminal ileum (n = 36), transverse colon (n = 3), or sigmoid colon (n = 1). The mean operating time was 55 min and the estimated blood loss was 32 g. There were two postoperative wound infections and one anastomotic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Stapling closure of a temporary loop stoma with two lines of staples may be a feasible alternative that decreases morbidity and reduces the operating time.

Endoscopy-based early enterostomy closure for superior mesenteric arterial occlusion

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic examination of blood flow and edema in the remnant bowel.

METHODS: We retrospectively studied 15 patients who underwent massive bowel resection with enterostomy for superior mesenteric arterial occlusion (SMAO); the patients were divided into a delayed closure group (D group) and an early closure group (E group).

RESULTS: The mean duration from initial operation to enterostomy closure was significantly shorter in the E group (18.3 ± 2.1 d) than in the D group (34.3 ± 5.9 d) (P < 0.0001). The duration of hospitalization after surgery was significantly shorter in the E group (33 ± 2.2 d) than in the D group (51 ± 8.9 d) (P < 0.0002).

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic examination of blood flow and edema in the remnant bowel is useful to assess the feasibility of early closure of enterostomy in SMAO cases.

Use of colonic stents in emergent malignant left colonic obstruction: a Markov chain Monte Carlo decision analysis

PURPOSE

This decision analysis examines the cost-effectiveness of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery vs. surgery alone in the management of emergent, malignant left colonic obstruction.

METHODS

We used a Markov chain Monte Carlo decision analysis model to determine the effect on health-related quality of life of two strategies: emergency surgery vs. emergency colonic stenting as a bridge to definitive surgery. All relevant health states were modeled during a patient's expected lifespan. Outcome measures were mortality, the proportion of patients requiring a colostomy, quality-adjusted life expectancy, and costs. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In our model, colonic stenting was more effective (9.2 quality-adjusted life months benefit) and less costly (CAD dollars 3,763; US dollars 3,135) than emergency surgery. Its benefits were secondary to reductions in acute mortality and in the likelihood of requiring a permanent colostomy. The results were only dependent on the rate of stenting complications (perforation, technical placement failure, and migration) and the patient's risk of surgical mortality, with the benefits being greatest among patients at high risk of operative mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery is more effective and less costly than surgery in the treatment of emergent, malignant left colonic obstruction. The benefits are most pronounced in high-risk patients and are diminished by increases in stent placement failure rates and perforation rates. In low-risk patients, the benefits are more modest and may not outweigh the risks.

Predictors for Complications after Loop Stoma Closure in Patients with Rectal Cancer

PURPOSE

This unmatched case control study was undertaken to evaluate factors contributing to surgery-related complications of loop stoma closure in patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS

Cases were consecutive patients with complications identified from a local registry. Complications were defined as surgery-related and included 30 days overall mortality. Controls were all other patients with stoma closure from the same population of the registry without the endpoint.

RESULTS

Of the 243 patients, 47 (19%) patients experienced a surgery-related complication, including 5 patients who died within 30 days after surgery. Significant risk factors in the univariate analysis were supervised operation (odds ratio 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.95; P=0.04), stapled anastomosis (odds ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.91; P=0.04) and using a soft silicone drain (odds ratio 2.03; 95% confidence interval 1.07-3.85; P=0.04). Using a soft silicone drain (odds ratio 2.17; 95% confidence interval 1.10-4.26; P=0.03) and stapled anastomosis (odds ratio 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.98; P=0.04) were the only significant predictors in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study in a homogeneous group of patients with rectal cancer as elective indication for temporary loop stoma construction confirms the high complications rate and mortality rate associated with stoma closure. Intraperitoneal drains should be omitted after loop stoma closure.

Morbidity and mortality of colostomy and its closure in children

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the complications of colostomy and its closure in infants and children.

METHODS

One hundred forty-six colostomies were performed in 86 neonates, 23 infants, and 37 children older than 1 year. These children underwent colostomies for anorectal malformation (84), Hirschsprung's disease (47), and other miscellaneous (15) conditions like colonic atresia, volvulus, rectal tuberculosis, traumatic rectal perforation, and intestinal obstruction caused by ascariasis.

RESULTS

Of these, 17 (11.6%) had early complications, and 80 (69.8%) had stomal complications. Three patients died, but only 1 death was directly related to colostomy. Colostomy prolapse, peristomal excoriation, and malnutrition were the major complications. The complications were not dependant on the children's age or primary indication. Sigmoid colostomy had a lower malnutrition rate than transverse colostomy (34.9% v 16.9% P =.009). Among the 56 children who underwent colostomy closure, major complications include death (1.8%), anastomotic leak (7.1%), and wound infection (12.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

A divided sigmoid colostomy should be performed whenever possible. Proper stomal care, regular nutritional assessment, and early closure of the colostomy would minimize morbidity and mortality of colostomy and its closure.

C, Wahl WL. Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Surgical Disease

Despite advances in antibiotics and infection control practices necrotizing fasciitis is still a potentially lethal disease. We reviewed 37 patients with necrotizing fasciitis to identify prognostic factors indicating outcome. Overall mortality was 24 per cent. Mortality was significantly increased for elderly patients. Solid-organ transplant recipients also represented a subset of patients with increased mortality. Most infections were polymicrobial. There was no Clostridium perfringens cultured. Rapid diagnosis and treatment with surgical debridement remains the cornerstone of therapy.

Fechamento precoce das colostomias em pacientes com trauma do reto: um estudo prospectivo e casualizado

Foi feito um estudo prospectivo e casualizado de 35 pacientes portadores de colostomias devido a lesões traumáticas do reto admitidos no Hospital Jõao XXIIII no período de novembro de 1994 a junho de 1997. O objetivo foi avaliar os resultados do fechamento precoce das colostomias nestes pacientes. Após o atendimento inicial, os pacientes foram sorteados de acordo com o número do registro de admissão em dois grupos: os do grupo 1 (N = 14) foram submetidos ao fechamento precoce da colostomia programado para o 10º dia pós-operatório do tratamento da(s) lesão(ões) e os do grupo 2 (N = 21) submetidos ao fechamento tardio da colostomia, programado para oito semanas após a operação inicial. Nos dois grupos, o restabelecimento do trânsito intestinal somente foi realizado após o fechamento da lesão retal confirmado por um estudo radiológico contrastado. Houve um predomínio de pacientes jovens, do sexo masculino e vítimas de traumatismo penetrante. Todos eram portadores de uma colostomia em alça. A taxa global de complicações após o fechamento das colostomias foi de 25,7%, com a infecção de ferida operatória sendo a complicação mais freqüente (17,1%). No grupo 1, as complicações ocorreram em 35,7% dos casos e, no grupo 2, em 19,1% (p = 0,423). A análise dos resultados permitiu-nos concluir que a taxa de complicações, a duração da operação para o fechamento da colostomia e o tempo total de permanência hospitalar não apresentaram diferenças significantes entre os dois grupos. Os pacientes submetidos ao fechamento precoce (grupo 1) permaneceram apenas 10 dias em média com a colostomia, enquanto nos pacientes do grupo 2 a média de permanência com a colostomia foi de 66,3 dias (p< 0,001 - Teste de Kruskal-Wallis). Baseados nestes resultados, concluímos que os pacientes portadores de colostomias utilizadas para o tratamento de lesões traumáticas do reto e que não apresentem complicações da operação inicial, poderão ser submetidos ao seu fechamento a partir do 10ºDPO da operação inicial.

Complications of abdominal stoma surgery

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to review and summarize the complications of ileostomy and colostomy creation and subsequent closure.

METHODS

The English-language medical literature for at least the past 15 years was reviewed comprehensively.

RESULTS

Complications of surgery for the creation of end, loop, and "end loop" stomas are presented. Technical factors, which might influence complication rates, are discussed. Optimal management of ostomy complications is presented, especially for peristomal hernias. Similarly, techniques and complications for stoma closure are analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

Stoma creation is not a trivial undertaking; careful surgical technique minimizes complications (which are relatively frequent), and promotes good ostomy function. Peristomal hernias are difficult to cure permanently. The morbidity of ileostomy and colostomy closure is also appreciable.

Colostomy closure. Ochsner Clinic experience

PURPOSE

We retrospectively reviewed the records from our past five years of experience with colostomy closure at a large multispecialty hospital to determine postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

From March 1988 to April 1993, 46 patients underwent colostomy closure. Patients ranged in age from 24 to 87 (mean, 41.8) years, and 25 (54 percent) were women. Stomas had been created during emergency operations in 40 patients (87 percent); most operations (54 percent) were for complications of acute diverticulitis. Of the 46 procedures, 40 (87 percent) were end colostomies, and 6 were loop colostomies. Stomas were closed at a range of 11 to 1,357 days after creation (mean, 207 days; median, 116 days). Twenty-six patients (57 percent) underwent colostomy closure alone, and the remainder underwent additional procedures ranging from appendectomy to hepatic lobectomy. Duration of operations ranged from 1 to 9.5 (mean, 4.2) hours, and estimated blood loss averaged 400 ml. Overall hospital stay for closure was 6 to 62 (mean, 11.5) days. Inpatient complications occurred in 15 percent of patients, including congestive heart failure (2 percent), cerebrovascular accident (4 percent), pneumonia (2 percent), enterocutaneous fistula (2 percent), and pulmonary embolus with death (2 percent). The most common long-term complication was midline wound hernia, which occurred in 10 percent of surviving patients. Overall, complications occurred in 24 percent.

CONCLUSIONS

Colostomy closure is a major operation; however, with good surgical judgement and technique, associated morbidity and mortality can be minimized.

Early closure of colostomies in trauma patients--a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Most traumatic colon injuries can be repaired primarily, but a colostomy may still be required for severe colonic or rectal injury. The current trend is to reverse the colostomy early, rather than to wait the traditional 3 months before closure.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients with colostomies after abdominal trauma were entered into the study. All patients had undergone a contrast enema in the second postoperative week to assess distal colon healing. Patients were excluded from early closure for nonhealing of the bowel injury, unresolving wound sepsis, or an unstable condition. We then compared the outcome of the remaining 38 (77.6%) patients allocated to either an early or a late colostomy group in a controlled, prospective, randomized trial.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in morbidity between the two groups, with an overall complication rate of 26.3%. Technically the early closure of colostomies was far easier than late closure and required significantly less operating time (p = 0.036) and with less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.020). The closure of end colostomies was more time consuming, both early (p < 0.001) and late (p < 0.001) and caused more bleeding (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Total hospitalization was marginally shorter overall for early closure, but late closure of end colostomies resulted in prolonged hospitalization (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

The early closure of colostomies and the use of loop colostomies whenever possible are recommended as both safe and beneficial for patients with colonic injury after trauma. Contraindications for early closure include nonhealing distal bowel, persistent wound sepsis, or persistent postoperative instability.

Same admission colostomy closure (SACC). A new approach to rectal wounds: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this project were to study the healing of protected rectal wounds (RWs) using contrast enemas (CEs) and to establish the safety of same admission colostomy closure (SACC) in terms of colostomy closure (CC) and rectal wound-related outcomes, for selected patients with radiologically healed RWs.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Traditional treatment of RWs has included a diverting colostomy that is closed 2 or more months later during a readmission.

METHODS

All patients admitted with a rectal injury were entered into this prospective study, treated with a diverting colostomy and presacral drainage, and managed according to a postoperative protocol that included a CE per anus to detect healing of the RW. Patients with no leaking on their first CE, no infection, and anal continence underwent SACC.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 1993, 30 consecutive patients had rectal injuries, 90% of which resulted from gunshot wounds. The first CE was performed in 29 patients 5 to 10 days after injury. In this group, 21 patients did not and 8 did have leakage from their RWs. The proportions of RWs radiologically healed at 7 and 10 days after injury were 55.2% and 75%, respectively. Sixteen patients with a normal CE underwent SACC 9 to 19 days after injury (mean, 12.4 days). There were two fecal fistulas (2 of 7; 28.6%) after simple suture closure, none (0 of 9) after resection of the stoma with end-to-end anastomosis, and no RW-related complications after SACC. The mean hospitalization time was 17.4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The following conclusions were drawn: (1) CE confirmed healing of RWs in 75% of patients by 10 days after injury; (2) 60% of patients with RWs were candidates for SACC, and 53% were discharged with their colostomies closed; (3) SACC was performed without complications in 87.5% of patients with radiologically healed RWs; and (4) there were no RW-related complications after SACC.

Hartmann's Procedure: An Appraisal

Ninety-seven patients underwent Hartmann's procedure between 1981 and 1986 at the University Hospital, Nottingham. Sixty-one (63%) required this operation as an emergency procedure. There was an overall mortality of 22% and the morbidity rate was 56%. Infective and cardiovascular problems accounted for 77% of all complications encountered reflecting the age and underlying condition ofthe patients requiring this procedure.

Thirty patients had successful restoration of intestinal continuity, the majority of these having their original procedure performed as an emergency for benign disease. There were no immediate postoperative deaths from reanastomosis and few short- or long-term anastomotic problems, however there was again considerable postoperative morbidity.

Protective colostomy closure: the hazards of a "minor" operation

A retrospective study of 87 patients, subjected to colostomy closure between 1976 and 1987, was conducted in order to evaluate the role of 8 potential risk factors on morbidity and mortality. Possible risk factors were age greater than 65 years, presence of hypoalbuminaemia (less than 3.0 gr%), anaemia (Hb less than 10 gr%), operative technique, duration of colostomy, site of colostomy, underlying disease and presence of subcutaneous drainage. Apart from hypoalbuminaemia, no clear risk factor was identified, although an interval of more than 90 days between construction and closure of colostomy appears to be safer than shorter intervals. A comparison was also made between two different periods from 1976 to 1982 and from 1983 to 1987 which resulted in important changes in patient management in the second period including: type of antibiotic prophylaxis, type of anastomosis and suture material, site of colostomy and mean duration of colostomy. Four post-operative deaths (4.6%) (two for myocardial insufficiency and two for sepsis), 11 major (13%) and 25 (29%) minor complications were recorded. The analysis of the two different periods showed a strong reduction in both mortality and morbidity in the second period, which could be related to a better management of this type of patient. In conclusion, the incidence of mortality and morbidity in colostomy closure cannot be underestimated and therefore the same skill and meticulous approach are required for this operation as for any major surgical procedure on the colon.

Colostomy closure

One hundred and forty-seven colostomies were closed in 146 patients at Wellington Hospital between 1 January 1978 and 1 January 1987. The majority of stomata were formed in patients with colorectal cancer. At least one additional significant procedure was undertaken at the time of stoma closure in 10 patients. The overall complication rate was highest in those patients undergoing closure of a sigmoid end-colostomy (50%). Three complications resulted in death (2%). Twenty-four patients (16.3%) developed wound infections. Five patients developed 'leaks' (3.4%). The use of prophylactic antibiotics appeared to reduce the rate of infection significantly. The highest rates of wound infection and leakage occurred in patients in whom drains were used. Wound infections increased hospital stay. Thirty-one non-bowel or wound-related complications occurred in 25 patients.

Initial continence testing of sleeved monolayer colonic anastomoses in sheep. A comparative bench study

It has been said that the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in surgery of the colon, rectum, and esophagus is dehiscence. The new method of anastomosis tested here immediately after its completion is a sleeved continuous monolayer anastomosis with full-thickness proximal bowel joined to the mucosa and submucosa of distal bowel. The 3 to 5-mm sleeve of distal seromuscularis fashioned by prior excision of a ring of distal mucosa is folded over the monolayer anastomosis and tacked on to proximal seromuscularis by a second continuous suture. In this bench study, sleeved seromuscularis monolayer anastomoses were compared for immediate ability to withstand air distention with conventional all-layer continuous and interrupted monolayer anastomoses. The results, even in fresh nonliving bowel, suggest that there may be benefits from sleeving monolayer anastomoses in vivo. It is noted that in the newly fashioned anastomosis, through-the-suture leaks were common on progressive distention, but were observed at higher pressures in sleeved and in extramucosal suture lines than in full-thickness monolayers.

Colorectal anastomotic healing and intracolonic bypass procedure

Intestinal anastomoses continue to be complicated by leakages even in the best of hands despite the development of new surgical techniques, suture materials, devices, and stapling instruments. One may explain such persistence of anastomotic leakage on the basis of the dynamic effect that multiple factors have on the healing of an anastomosis. Awareness of these factors and proper precautions by the surgeon can make a high-risk anastomosis less prone to leakage. The intracolonic bypass procedure is an alternative to a temporary colostomy. It does not prevent an anastomotic dehiscence but can prevent anastomotic leakage with its associated complications in those situations where dehiscence is most likely to occur.

Enterostomy as an adjunct to treatment of intra-abdominal sepsis

In 60 patients a small bowel enterostomy was constructed as part of the treatment of various intra-abdominal infectious and obstructive conditions. Eleven patients (18 per cent) died in the immediate postoperative period from continuing sepsis. In one patient closure of the stoma was not considered because of disseminated malignancy. In the remaining 48 patients continuity of the gut was subsequently restored. In 22 patients (46 per cent) complications occurred, 12 (25 per cent) of which were intra-abdominal septic complications. The occurrence of intra-abdominal complications was found to be linked to premature (i.e. within 3 months) closure of the stoma. Reasons for premature closure were stomal difficulties and prerenal azotaemia. Stomal closure was attended by a 10 per cent mortality rate.

Factors influencing the morbidity of colostomy closure

A series consisting of 110 patients who had colostomy closure was studied in an attempt to define the role of various factors in causing colon-related morbidity. The overall complication rate was 14.5 percent (wound sepsis 11.8 percent and anastomotic leak 2.7 percent). Patient age, the underlying pathologic abnormality (trauma versus nontrauma), the type of colostomy (loop versus end colostomy), the site of the stoma (right side, left side, or transverse), whether a drain was inserted or not, and the timing of the operation did not influence morbidity. Oral preoperative antibiotics appeared to be associated with less morbidity than parenteral antibiotics (p less than 0.01), and experienced surgeons had less complications than junior surgeons (p less than 0.05).

Healing of a left colon anastomosis after early colostomy closure. An experimental study in the rat

The healing of a standardized left colon anastomosis after early (7 days) closure of a concomitant proximal diverting colostomy was studied experimentally. Early closure of the diverting colostomy could be conducted safely by an intraperitoneal technique and the healing of the primary anastomosis was uncomplicated. Colostomy closure in the proliferative phase of wound healing resulted in development of anastomotic strength similar to colonic healing without faecal diversion. The anastomotic strength had doubled after three weeks. As compared to colostomy closure in the remodelling phase of anastomotic healing development of anastomotic strength was more rapid and without serious local complications.

Laser Doppler velocimetry and the measurement of colostomy blood flow

Early colostomy closure leads to a high rate of fecal fistula formation which may be due to a poor blood supply. Laser Doppler flowmetry is a new method of measuring colonic blood flow. Blood flow in 17 colostomies has been measured at one week, median flux 28 units (range, 13 to 43) and in 12 colostomies more than eight weeks after formation, median flux 46 units (range, 35-56; P less than 0.002). Nine of the "mature" colostomies have been closed without a fecal fistula or other signs of anastomotic failure. Serial readings of colostomy blood flow were made at weekly intervals in another ten stomas over a period of two months. Blood flow increased over this time from a median of 19 units (range, 17 to 22) at one week to a median of 44 units (range, 39 to 48; P less than 0.002) at eight weeks. Laser Doppler flowmetry is a simple, noninvasive method of measuring colostomy blood flow and the findings support a clinical policy for delayed colostomy closure.

A clinical and experimental study of colostomy blood flow and healing after closure

Colostomy blood flow and healing have been studied in both man and rat. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) was used to measure flow and showed a significant difference between colostomy blood flow measured at 1 week and at more than 8 weeks after fashioning (p less than 0.002). Hartmann colostomies were constructed in rats and closed at 3 or 6 weeks later. There was a correlation between distal colonic (stump) blood flow and anastomotic bursting pressures 3 days after closure in the 3-week group (r = 0.080; p less than 0.01). Colostomies closed at 6 weeks were significantly stronger than those closed at 3 weeks (p less than 0.02). Collagen concentration in proximal (stoma) colon was higher in the 6-week group compared with the 3-week group prior to anastomosis. There was also a fall in the proximal collagen after anastomosis in both 3- (p less than 0.01) and 6-week groups (p less than 0.01). Poor blood flow measured by LDV and colonic collagen concentration may predict poor healing after colostomy closure. LDV is a non-invasive technique with clinical application in this field.

Temporary colostomy--an outmoded procedure? A report on the intracolonic bypass

The intracolonic bypass is a procedure preventing the gastrointestinal secretions and fecal contents from coming into contact with an anastomotic closure site without interrupting the intraluminal continuity of fecal flow from proximal to distal colon. Experimental and clinical data have indicated that the intracolonic bypass can protect such an anastomosis, in the presence of maximal colonic loadings, dehiscences, and fecal peritonitis. This single stage procedure obviates the necessity for construction and subsequent closure of a temporary colostomy in situations where it is currently indicated; the morbidity, mortality, psychologic problems, and economic costs associated with these multiple procedures are avoided. Sufficient experience now has been gained to recommend the intracolonic bypass as a viable alternate to temporary colostomy.

Complications of colostomy closure

A series of 126 colostomy closures was analyzed to evaluate factors contributing to morbidity. There were no deaths, but there was a 33 percent complication rate. Patients with penetrating abdominal trauma and foreign-body rectal perforations had fewer serious complications following colostomy closures than patients with diverticulitis or cancer. No significant difference was found in the anastomotic leak rate, length of surgery or length of hospitalization in patients with sutured or stapled anastomoses. Most patients in this series had end colostomies that required limited resection and anastomoses. Complication rates were comparable with previous series, which consisted predominantly of loop colostomy closures. The incidence of surgical complications was not related to the time interval between colostomy formation and closure. Timing of closure, however, significantly influenced the complication rate in two specific patient groups: patients with intraperitoneal colon perforation at the initial procedure when closure was performed within four weeks, and patients with surgical complications at the time of colostomy creation if they underwent closure within eight weeks. Early closures in patients still recovering from colostomy complications were associated with the highest incidence of anastomotic leak. Wound infections at stoma sites were decreased by leaving the skin open. The average hospitalization was 11.1 days for patients without complications, 15.5 days for those with wound infection, 18.5 days for patients with ileus, and 20.4 days for patients with anastomotic leaks. This study illustrates that the optimal time for colostomy closure must be determined on an individual basis. The morbidity can be minimized by delaying closure in specific groups of patients for one to two months. Delaying closure for an arbitrary time interval in all patients, however, is not warranted.

Changing patterns in colostomy closure: the Bristol experience 1975-1982

The results of colostomy closure in 113 patients (1975-1982) were examined to determine whether the identification of risk factors or improvements in surgical management had made this procedure safer. Overall mortality was low (0.9 per cent), but faecal fistulas occurred in 16.5 per cent and the incidence of wound infection was high (34 per cent). Comparison of the first and second 4 year periods shows recent improvements in the rates of wound infection (24 versus 51 per cent: P less than 0.01) and anastomotic leakage (10 versus 30 per cent: P less than 0.05). A long delay (greater than 6 months) between creation and closure of the colostomy was associated with an increased incidence of postoperative diarrhoea compared with shorter periods of defunction (38 versus 14 per cent: P less than 0.01). The morbidity of colostomy closure is decreasing but remains an important clinical problem.

Prevention and treatment of intestinal dehiscence by an intraluminal bypass graft

The most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the surgery of the colon, rectum and oesophagus is dehiscence. An experimental study to investigate a method of protecting intestinal anastomoses/dehiscences by an intraluminal bypass graft was carried out. This was accomplished by the implantation of a soft tube (graft) in the proximal intestine above the proposed anastomosis/dehiscence, which conducts the salivary, gastrointestinal secretion, food and faecal stream past the anastomosis/dehiscence into the distal intestine; these contents are thereby prevented from coming in contact with the anastomosis/dehiscence. Intestinal continuity is then completed. The graft is expelled spontaneously after a varying time. In the face of gross anastomotic dehiscences, faecal peritonitis and mediastinitis, primary healing without leakage occurs. A clinical study has been instituted.

Intracolonic bypass by an intraluminal tube. An experimental study

The most important cause of morbidity and mortality in colonic resection remains anastomotic leakage and, to this end, temporary stomas, with their own incidence of mortality or morbidity, are often created. Problems associated with both anastomosis and stoma can be prevented with the use of an internal bypass tube. This tube is implanted in the proximal colon above the proposed anastomotic site, then passed distally to the rectal ampulla, following which, the proximal and distal colonic segments are anastomosed. The fecal stream and gastrointestinal secretions are there by prevented from coming in contact with the anastomotic site. The tube is expelled spontaneously after a varying time. The anastomoses in the experimental animals were subjected to maximal stress. Additionally, large dehiscences and induced fecal peritonitis were purposefully created in some animals. Results demonstrated that the intracolonic bypass tube prevents leakage even from gross dehiscences and that these dehiscences progress to complete healing. The experimental study leading to its clinical adaptation is presented.

Covering stoma for elective anterior resection of the rectum: an outmoded operation?

A prospective multicenter study of the management of large bowel cancer recorded the results in 4,500 patients in whom 2,056 have had an elective colorectal anastomoses. Of these patients, 15.8 percent had a synchronous covering stoma to protect the anastomoses. Although the anastomotic leak rate was high in patients with a stoma, no overall differences were observed in mortality between those patients who had a covering stoma and those patients who did not (7 percent and 6.1 percent, respectively). However, when surgical policies were analyzed, clinically large and statistically significant differences were found. Some surgeons frequently used a covering stoma for low anterior resection whereas others only rarely did so. The differences in anastomotic leak and mortality were 20 percent and 7.8 percent, and 8.4 percent and 3.6 percent, respectively. We conclude that all surgeons should know their own clinical and radiologic anastomotic leak rate. If and when this figure becomes low (less than 5 percent), the covering stomas will become necessary except for the very rare and difficult case.

EEA stapler for mid-rectum carcinoma. Review of recent literature and own initial experience

Over a three-year period, 1980-82, 79 per cent of our patients with rectal cancer were treated with the intention of cure, and sphincter-saving procedures were performed in 62 per cent of these cases. This report concerns 21 patients with mid-rectum cancer operated on with low anterior resection and extraperitoneal EEA-stapled anastomosis. Nine patients had Dukes' stage A tumors, seven had stage B, and five had stage C tumors. An 86-year-old woman died in the sixth postoperative week, and a 74-year-old man died after 20 months with a probable recurrence. Nineteen patients are currently alive 4 to 40 months post-operatively, with no overt signs of recurrence. We cannot confirm recent alarming reports on a significant incidence of early local recurrence. Routine Gastrografin enemas were performed and offered very little in terms of clinical guidance. Significant anastomotic leakage occurred in four patients, although without clinical symptoms or the need for fecal diversion. Despite initially intact anastomoses in 13 patients, pelvic sepsis with late dehiscence developed in three, all of whom required fecal diversion. The clinical leak rate was thus 3 of 21, 14 per cent, and the total incidence of leakage 7 of 21, 33 per cent. We performed routine colostomy on the first three patients but, in retrospect, believe this was unneccessary. Only one of the 19 survivors still has a colostomy, due to a benign anastomotic stricture. We consider anterior resection of mid-rectum carcinoma with EEA-stapled anastomosis a highly feasible procedure, the curative potential of which, however, can be established only by long-term follow-up studies.