Loop colostomy formation with a skin bridge technique in a gynecological oncology center

Abstract

Correspondence to Dr Feras Abu Saadeh, Department of Gynaecology Oncology, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; [email protected] Our objective was to demonstrate formation of loop colostomy, secured using a skin bridge technique, as part of emergency bowel diversion in a gynecological oncology center. Using videography, we have demonstrated the selection of a segment of large bowel and the maturing of a loop colostomy on the abdominal wall, secured using a skin bridge technique as part of the emergency management of a bowel perforation 7 days after total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy and omentectomy. The glass or plastic prosthesis interferes with the fitting of the stoma plate, and increases peristomal complications.1 We have previously demonstrated that patients with stomas secured with skin bridge techniques had decreased delays to stoma self-care.2 In the largest series comparing 45 skin bridge and rod loop stomas, skin bridge use was associated with significantly reduced inflammatory skin complications and improved quality of life.3 The long term support offered by the skin bridge technique is of particular interest in gynecologic oncology where disease progression may lead to mesenteric shortening and late stomal retraction.