title: Loop colostomy with a suprafascial bridge device.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this technique is to achieve a quick, efficient and easy-to-perform as well as to reverse surgical procedure for patients requiring temporary deviation of stool transit, which can be carried out even by surgeons with little experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe our technique for loop colostomy over a subcutaneous plastic rod device placed not on the skin but on the superficial abdominal aponeurosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nineteen loop colostomies were performed using this technique, with no complications of either stoma formation or its subsequent function. The patient population consisted of 10 men and 9 women (average age 64 years). Patients were all followed up for 24 months or until death. Six deaths occurred in patients operated for palliative purposes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique is not only very useful for patients in poor health who have undergone surgery due to intestinal blockage and need a quick surgical procedure to deal with an acute bowel disorder, but also in palliative situations.
authors: Surgery Unit A, Oporto Medical School, Oporto, Portugal.
authors: Ana Maria
authors: AM
authors: Branco
authors: A Carlos
authors: AC
authors: Saraiva
mesh_terms: D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003125:Colostomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome