Use of W-plasty in stenotic stoma: a new solution for an old problem.
METHODS
Amongst late complications of stomas, stenosis can be difficult to treat. Repeated dilatations rarely achieve long-term resolution and re-fashioning is not always successful. Application of an existing plastic surgical technique to treat stomal stenosis is described.


METHODS
After marking the skin, a W-plasty is made with a number of consecutive small triangular flaps through the skin. The corresponding mucosal margin is then made to interdigitate with this configuration and fixed using a Gillies corner stich with 5/0 Vycril rapide on a compound curved needle.


RESULTS
Five patients underwent W-plasty reconstruction for a stenotic stoma. Median follow up was 12.5 months (range 11-15). No patient had stenosis of the stoma on review and the patient satisfaction rate was high.


CONCLUSIONS
The W-plasty technique is a new treatment for stenotic stoma.
Beraldo
S
S
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust, Sutton Coldfield, UK.
Titley
G
G
Allan
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D054047:Surgical Stomas / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome