EARLY COMPLICATIONS OF DIVIDED COLOSTOMY IN NEONATES

Abstract

Background:

In congenitally anomalous intestine, the common type of colostomy carried out is divided colostomy. Nevertheless, stoma prolapse, retraction, necrosis, skin excoriation, and wound infection are considered as the causes of morbidity that are very common in the early postoperative period. The knowledge of these complications will help to enhance positive outcomes of surgery and preventive measures.

Methods:

The proposed study was conducted in the department of pediatric surgery, Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, from 03-01-2025 to 03-04-2025. Neonates with divided colostomy due to anorectal malformations, Hirschsprung, or intestinal perforation due to necrotizing enterocolitis, spontaneous intestinal perforation or iatrogenic causes were all included. The demographics and birth weight, indications and early postoperative complications (30 days) data were captured. The data were analyzed statistically with the SPSS version 26 and the test of association was carried out with the chi-square test where p < 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results:

The sample size was 50 neonates with the mean age of 4.6±2.3 days and mean birth weight of 2.7±0.4kg. In 36% of cases early complications had been experienced, the most common ones being stoma prolapse (14%), and skin excoriation (10%). Complications were considerably related to low birth weight (<2.5 kg) (p = 0.04). There was no mortality associated with colostomy.

Conclusion:

The early complications in divided colostomy in neonates are usually prevalent particularly among low-weight birth infants. Morbidity can be reduced and better outcomes achieved through improved surgical precision, a keen placement of stoma, and better postoperative stoma care.