Abstract
Background A colostomy is a surgical approach that creates an opening for the colon, or/and
large intestine through the abdomen. Anorectal malformations are a group of abnormalities
of the rectum and anus that are present at birth.
Objective To analyze the common complications of colostomy in anorectal formations.
Methods This was a retrospective study conducted on 50 temporary colostomies performed in
children at the Surgical Department of the Abu Ghraib General Hospital in the period
from January 2018 to January 2020. Information was collected regarding the patients'
age, sex, body weight, associated anomalies, colostomy types and sites, and the indications
and complications of colostomies.
Results A total of 44 (88%) cases were reported in the children's 1st month of life. The ratio of male to female was 1:1. Pelvic colostomy was performed
in 48 (96%) patients, as 40 (80%) children underwent a loop-type, and 8 (16%) patients
underwent double-barrel colostomy. Transverse colostomy was performed on two patients.
Prolapse occurred in 50% of the patients, and skin excoriations occurred in 22% .
A total of 10% of the children developed sepsis. Bleeding was seen in 4% of the children
after colostomy performance. Stenosis presented in 6% of the children, and this was
corrected by repeated dilatation and re-fashioning. Obstruction of intestines was
observed in one patient. The retraction developed in 6% of patients.
Conclusions Imperforate anus was the most common indication for stoma formation in the pediatric
age group. Loop colostomy was the most common type used, and it had the highest rate
of complications. Prolapses and skin excoriation were the most common complications
found.
Keywords
colostomy - ano-rectal prolapse - imperforate anus - stoma
