[Value of colonic irrigation. Long-term followed-up in 432 colostomized patients].
OBJECTIVE
Irrigating colostomies allows patients to achieve nearly complete fecal continence using a simple technique. We assessed long-term results in our series of 432 patients.


METHODS
From 1979 to 1992, we followed 432 patients who had undergone definitive colostomy surgery (mean follow-up = 8.4 years).


RESULTS
Colonic irrigation was impossible in 281 cases mainly due to retarded patient information (42%) or patient incapacity (31%). It was possible in 151 patients (globally 31%). In patients with abdominoperineal amputations the rate was 63%, for Hartmann procedures 17% and for derivations 6%. Most of the derivations were supraombilical colostomies (n = 51) including 6 who used colonic irrigation. No complications related to the technique were observed and minor incidents (usually problems with the cannula and/or pain) occurred in 61 patients. Thirteen patients (9%) abandoned the technique including 5 who complained of incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these observations, we conclude that colonic irrigation is not used enough. The key to success is a quality stomy and early patient information and training. This technique is particularly adapted for active patients. It is performed every 48 hours and lasts about 35 minutes.
Bail
J P
JP
Service de Chirurgie digestive et endocrinienne F.X. Bichat, CHRU A. Morvan, Brest.
Juglard
G
G
Framery
D
D
Deligny
M
M
Charles
J F
JF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*
Intérêt de l'irrigation colique. Suivi à distance de 432 malades colostomisés.