Complications of Colostomy in Infants and Children

Abstract

This article analyzes the course of 267 paediatric patients with gut stomas. Colostomy was most commonly created for imperforate anus (130 cases) and Hirschsprung’s disease (120 cases). A transverse colostomy was performed in 156 cases (58.42%) and sigmoid colostomy in 99 patients (37.07%). Loop colostomy was performed 15 times higher than divided colostomy. Early complications occurred in 45 patients (16.85%). Stoma complications occurred in 70 patients (26.21%) and were more common with loop colostomies. Sigmoid colo3tomy had significantly lower complication rate. Colostomy revision was needed in 28 patients (10.48%). A total (if 51 patients underwent closure of colostomy. The major complication with closure of colostomy was seen in 10 patients (19.60%).Total 12 patients (4.49%) died due to complications of colostomy and only one patient died after closure of colostomy. The formation of abdominal stomas should not be regarded as minor surgical procedure especially in paediatric age group. A divided sigmoid colostomy should be performed whenever possible.