Colostomy complications in infants and children.

This study analyses the morbidity and mortality of colostomy formation and closure over a 17-year period during which 138 consecutive infants and children had a colostomy formed as the initial management of Hirschsprung's disease or anorectal malformation. Complications after colostomy formation were encountered in 38 (27.5%) patients and included colostomy prolapse, stenosis, retraction, dysfunction, skin excoriation and parastomal hernia. The complication rate with transverse colostomies was higher than with other types. Colostomy closure was associated with complications in nine patients (6.5%), the most serious of which was adhesive small bowel obstruction (5). The mortality was less than 1%, but significant morbidity still exists. Refinements in surgical technique may help reduce the incidence of complications, but stoma prolapse, particularly with transverse colostomies, remains a major challenge.