title: Continent perineal colostomy after abdominoperineal resection: outcome after 63 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For patients with distal rectal or anal tumors, quality of life can be compromised after abdominoperineal resection and iliac colostomy. This study examines our experience with a continent perineal colostomy constructed from a colonic smooth-muscle cuff wrap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1987 and 1996, 63 patients with distal rectal or anal tumors (0-5 cm from the anal verge) underwent abdominoperineal resection and construction of a colonic smooth-muscle cuff at the site of the perineal colostomy. Postoperatively, all patients required colonic irrigations daily or every two days. The complications, continence at 6 and 12 months, and degree of satisfaction were prospectively evaluated using a standard questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Early complications included partial perineal dehiscence in 14 (22.5 percent) patients, pelvic abscess in 2 (3 percent) patients, and colostomy necrosis in 1 (1.6 percent) patient. Late complications were colostomy stricture in 7 (11.8 percent) patients, perineal sinus tract in 4 (6.7 percent) patients, and mucosal prolapse in 12 (20 percent) patients. Satisfactory continence (complete continence to stool and incontinence to gas) at 6 and 12 months was achieved in 30 (55.6 percent) and 27 (59 percent) patients, respectively. Patient satisfaction was noted in 85 percent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Continent perineal colostomy can serve as an alternative to conventional iliac colostomy. Most patients were satisfied. The modest complication rate can be minimized with patient selection.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Digestive Surgery, University of Toulouse III, Purpan Hospital, France.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gamagami
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chiotasso
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lazorthes
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome