Limited Utility of Preoperative Studies in Preparation for Colostomy Closure

• Published in: The American surgeon Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 338 - 340
• Main Authors: Pokorny, Richard M., Heniford, Todd, Allen, Jeffrey W., Tuckson, Wayne B., Galandiuk, Susan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.04.1999; Southeastern Surgical Congress; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Barium Sulfate; Biological and medical sciences; Colon; Colostomy; Contrast Media; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Enema; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Intestines - diagnostic imaging; Male; Medical research; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; Postoperative Complications - prevention & control; Preoperative Care; Radiography; Reoperation; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; Surgery; Surgical Wound Infection - prevention & control; Unnecessary Procedures; Human; Sigmoidoscopy; Radiodiagnosis; Colostomy; Morbidity; Colonic disease; Interest; Clinical management; Surgery; Barium enema; Digestive diseases; Endoscopy; Colon; Preoperative; Balance; Bibliographic review
• ISSN: 0003-1348; 1555-9823
• DOI: 10.1177/000313489906500411

Numerous diagnostic and therapeutic practices are used in an attempt to reduce the morbidity of colostomy closures. Our principal aim was to evaluate the role of preoperative studies, specifically barium enemas and endoscopic examinations, performed before colostomy closures. Additionally, we wished to identify other practices involved in the perioperative management of patients undergoing colostomy closure that influenced morbidity. The records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent elective colostomy closure at University of Louisville Hospital between January 1989 and July 1995 were reviewed. Wound infection was the most common complication (12%). Various bowel preparations were equivalent in efficacy and did not influence the complication rate. Intermittent wound irrigation with antibiotics for 3 days postoperatively, via subcutaneous drains, was associated with a low incidence of incision infection. Preoperative barium enema or sigmoidoscopy were often performed but rarely useful. Performing these examinations merely increased hospital cost without a corresponding decline in morbidity.