Rodless end-loop stomas

Abstract

The rodless, end-loop stoma was developed as an alternative to the more traditional loop stoma to minimize patient management problems. A retrospective review of our seven-year experience in 229 patients with end-loop colostomies (135), ileocolostomies (70), and ileostomies (24) is presented. A total of 30 stoma-related complications were observed in 27 stomas, for an overall complication rate of 13.1 percent. The most common complications were skin excoriation secondary to leakage (3.5 percent), retraction (3.5 percent), partial necrosis (2.6 percent), and peristomal sepsis (1.8 percent). Mucocutaneous separation, prolapse, and stenosis were each seen in less than one percent of patients. No cases of stomal herniation, obstruction, or hemorrhage were encountered. Twelve deaths occurred, but none was attributed to stoma-related complications. The rodless, end-loop stoma is a simple and safe procedure with many advantages and a low incidence of complications.

Loop Ileostomy and Colostomy—A Comparison between Supporting Plastic Rods and Epicutaneous or Subcutaneous Silicon Drains

“…In most of these articles, the bridge which supported the stoma limbs was reinforced with a softer material, such as a Jackson-Pratt drain, a suction drain tube, or a Penrose drain. Some surgeons have even questioned whether the use of supporting bridges is necessary at all [17,18].…”