Laparoscopic stoma creation.

Laparoscopic creation of an intestinal stoma may be preferable to an open operation. We report here our experience with faecal diversions. From April 1992 to April 2003 we performed 55 procedures (23 end colostomies for Miles operations; 21 end colostomies for Hartman procedures; 9 loop colostomies and 3 loop ileostomies). In 45 cases the procedure was completed laparoscopically. Ten (18%) of the cases required conversion due to bulky tumours (6 pts), obesity (2 pts) and adhesions (2 pts). The indications for diversions were rectovaginal fistula (1 pt), anastomosis leakage (1 pt), unresectable rectal cancer (21), rectal cancer resectable by Miles operation (20 pts). The two ileostomies were constructed to protect colo-anal anastomoses. The average duration of surgery was 50 minutes (range: 20-100) and 200 minutes in the case of Miles operations. The average postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-5) and 7 days (range: 6-9) after a Miles operation. The demand for analgesics was far lower than with traditional surgery and did not continue after postoperative day two. We had no intraoperative complications. There was no mortality. During the follow-up period all the stomas have functioned well but a prolapse occurred in one case (2.6%). The laparoscopic creation of intestinal stomas is safe, feasible and effective and can be performed with a low morbidity rate. Stoma construction is the simplest of all laparoscopic procedures because it requires little dissection and only minimal mesenteric handling. The length of the procedure is longer in patients who have had prior surgery, but prior surgery is not a contraindication and a laparotomy can be avoided in the majority of patients. Patients who are obstructed or have significant bowel dilation are less prone to damage with laparoscopic procedures. In addition to the benefits of laparoscopic techniques for the patients, a laparoscopic colostomy may be ideal for the surgeon as a basic, initial step in the performance of laparoscopic colorectal procedures.