Laparostomy for severe intra-abdominal infection complicating colorectal disease.

Journal article

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of laparostomy in the management of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection resulting from colorectal disease. METHODS: Seven patients, four with inflammatory bowel disease, two with colorectal carcinoma, and one with diverticular perforation, underwent laparostomy during a six-year period for postoperative, severe, intra-abdominal infection. RESULTS: The median age was 42 years, the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 22.7, and the observed mortality was 28.6 percent (2/7 patients). In one patient the laparostomy was closed at 11 days; in all the others the wound was left to heal by granulation and contraction, and two of these later required reconstructive surgery. The median follow-up was three years and seven months. CONCLUSION: Laparostomy is an effective and practical method of managing patients with severe intra-abdominal infection as a result of colorectal disease.

Authors: Bailey, C; Thompson-Fawcett, M; Kettlewell, MG; Garrard, C; Mortensen, N

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Diseases of the colon and rectum
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 25-30
• Publication date: 2000-01-01
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02237239
• EISSN: 1530-0358
• ISSN: 0012-3706
• Language: English
• Keywords: APACHE; Ileostomy; Postoperative Complications; Humans; Aged; Wound Healing; Follow-Up Studies; Male; Surgical Mesh; Carcinoma; Intestinal Perforation; Middle Aged; Colonic Diseases; Sigmoid Neoplasms; Diverticulum, Colon; Abdominal Muscles; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Rectal Diseases; Adult; Abdominal Abscess; Ostomy; Sigmoid Diseases; Anastomosis, Surgical; Female; Colectomy; Survival Rate; Colostomy; Rectal Neoplasms