End-type stapled colostomy in emergency surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Colostomy is one of the most frequent procedures in emergency surgery. Several techniques have been described. The aim of this essay is to present our results using a circular stapler device when executing an end-type colostomy raising in emergency surgery.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

During a period of 4 years, 47 patients underwent end-type colostomy raised under emergency circumstances using a circular stapler device. We gathered information on each patient, and performed 2 years follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients, 72.3% male and 27.7% female, were enrolled in this study. The most common indication was colorectal cancer (48.9%). We had an average rate of complications of 13.63% without a need to be operated on: parastomal hernia (6.81%), mild local cellulitis (4.54%), and retraction (2.27%). The medium diameter of colostomy at the time of surgery and after 1 month was equal to 3.4 cm and 3.1 cm respectively. Follow-up screenings showed that the diameter of colostomy held constant at 3 cm.

DISCUSSION: End-type colostomy using a stapler device can be safely performed under emergency circumstances. It is not related to a higher rate of stomal stenosis in our series. This is the first essay that reports the diameter of colostomy with this technique. Early and late complications are similar to those that appear with the classical technique. Therefore, the end-type colostomy executed by means of a circular stapler device can be considered a safe and reliable technique.