title: [Results of periodic irrigation in rehabilitation of colostomy patients].
abstract: The Authors report their experience about 152 patients examined between 1976-1979 in the Aistom Centre of the Institute of "Semeiotica Chirurgica" at the University of Trieste. 98 patients irrigated their colostomies, while 57 patients were excluded in consequence of general or local counterindications. 92% of the irrigating patients gained fecal continence, but 1/4 of them use the colostomy bag to obtain full control of gas and odors. No cases of colonic perforation, bleeding or severe dermatitis were observed. The follow-up shows that most of the irrigating patients undergo less serious psychological problems and usually have easier social lives. It is opinion of the Authors that the results of colonic irrigation are better than natural evacuation. Irrigation should be therefore considered the best method of choice for the management of permanent colostomies.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003125:Colostomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
vernacular_title: Risultati dell'irrigazione periodica nella riabilitazione del colostomizzato.