Prolapse of colostomy in children; characteristics, predisposing factors and preventive measures in four health facilities in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

IntroductionThe protrusion of the bowel through the stoma in a colostomy is one of thecommon complications of colostomy. Though it rarely gets secondarilycomplicated, it causes significant morbidity by virtue of the increasing bowel massoutside. The predisposing factors and progression in children are not well reportedin our region.AimTo evaluate the characteristics and occurrence of colostomy prolapse in childrenand to identify any factors predisposing to this complication in our practice.Patients and MethodsThis is a five year prospective study of paediatric colostomy in the authors’ servicebetween March 2013 and April 2018. Patients were categorized into those thatdeveloped prolapse (Pro group), and those that did not (Non Pro group). Othervariables investigated were gender, age at creation of colostomy, indication, type,and duration of colostomy, presence of raised intra abdominal pressure. Statisticswas with SPSS 21.ResultsTwenty seven (28.4%) of 95 children who had colostomy during the study perioddeveloped prolapsed. Prolapse occurred more in patients who had their colostomyat a relatively older age. There was a positive association of prolapse andHirschsprungs disease but no association with the gender or duration of stoma.ConclusionColostomy prolapse is a common complication seen in our practice. Cases ofneglected Hirschsprungs disease in children have increased risk of thiscomplication. Extra caution is therefore needed in forming colostomy in this groupof patients.