title: Ileostomy Complications in Infants less than 1500 grams - Frequent but Manageable.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In very low birth weight infants abdominal emergency surgery may result in ileostomy formation. We observed a frequent stoma complications in these patients. This retrospective analysis put light on ileostomy-related problems and complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a seven-year retrospective chart review (2008 - 2014) infants with ileostomy formation weighing less than 1500 grams at time of operation were identified and reviewed. Data analysis included demographic data, complications and short term outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty patients were included. Ileostomy was formed for spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) (n=17), meconium obstruction of prematurity (MOP) (n=6), midgut volvulus (MV) (n=5), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (n=1) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) (n=1). Three patients died before ileostomy reversal was considered. In seven patients planned ileostomy reversal was done. Twenty infants had stoma related complications (stoma prolapse, prestomal obstruction, stoma retraction, high output stoma, peristomal skin excoriation, and stomal ischemia). Complications did not correlate with underlying diseases. Stomal complications necessitated earlier stoma reversal (mean 62 days). Postoperative complications after stoma reversal occurred in three children (wound dehiscence, adhesion ileus, anastomotic stricture).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although ileostomy related complications are frequent in very low birth weight infants, mortality is low. Morbidity is manageable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kargl
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz.
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kepler University Hospital, Linz.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pumberger
keywords: Complications; Ileostomy; Stoma; Very low birth weight infants