Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy of the left side of the colon.
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) on the left side of the colon is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, increasingly used to treat lower-GI conditions.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a PEC tube insertion at a single unit.


METHODS
Retrospective data collection.


METHODS
District general and teaching hospital in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
Data collected from patients with lower-GI disorders who had a PEC tube inserted.


METHODS
Data collection.


METHODS
Incidence of complications and patient outcome.


RESULTS
Between 2001 and 2005, 31 patients presented for a PEC. Insertion was possible in 27 patients. Indications included functional constipation (n=8), recurrent sigmoid volvulus (n=8), colonic pseudo-obstruction (n=5), and neurologic constipation (n=6). In 22 patients (81%), symptoms were markedly improved after insertion. Sigmoid volvulus did not recur with a PEC tube in place. The mean (standard error of the mean) duration with tubes in situ was 9.5+/-1.6 months. Only 2 patients still had a PEC tube in situ. A total of 77% of patients had episodes of infection. Infective episodes led to tube removal in 44% of the total group. Other complications included buried internal bolster, fecal leakage, and pain. Mortality was high (26%), with 7 deaths: 5 from unrelated causes and 2 deaths from fecal peritonitis.


CONCLUSIONS
This was a retrospective study. A prospective study in our unit is unlikely because of these results.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms were effectively controlled by a PEC tube insertion, and recurrent sigmoid volvulus was prevented. Recurrent complications caused significant morbidity. Infection necessitated tube removal in the majority of patients. Fatal fecal peritonitis occurred in 2 patients. Indiscriminate use of a PEC in the left side of the colon is not recommended. A PEC should only be considered in carefully selected cases.
Cowlam
Simon
S
Department of Medicine, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham, UK.
Watson
Christine
C
Elltringham
Mark
M
Bain
Ian
I
Barrett
Paul
P
Green
Susan
S
Yiannakou
Yan
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003112:Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods*; D003248:Constipation / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology