The "Rodless" Loop Colostomy* FRED~ICK S. BAKER, M.D. Sacramento, Calilornia

TEMPORARY FIXATION Of a loop colostomy is customarily done with a glass or plastic rod through the mesocolon. The rod may interfere with the seal of the stomal appliance at a time when the patient is least able to cope with soiling. Special appliances have been made in an attempt to avoid soiling. 1 A more simple way of fixing the colostomy loop is accomplished by making a curved incision (Fig. 1) and using the tongue-shaped skin flap in place of the rod (Figs. 2 and 3). Monofilament 3-0 skin

FIG. 2. Tongue-shaped skin flap is brought through

the mesocolon and sutured in place.

* Received for publication February 3, 1975. Address reprint requests to Dr. Baker: 3701 J Street, Sacramento, California 95816.

FIG. 3. Colostomy is matured after making a transverse incision over the distal portion of the

loop.

sutures hold the flap in place. If desired, the colostomy may be matured primarily (Figs. 2 and 3). A stomal appliance then adheres to the skin securely. When ultimately the colostomy is closed, no widening o[ the incision is found where the skin flap is excised. Acknowledgment Miss Karen Murphy provided the illustrations,

Reference 1. Corman ML: An appliance for management of the diverting loop colostomy. Arch Surg 108: 742, 1974

FIG, 1. Omega-shaped incision.

528 Dis. Col. & Reet. September 1975

Volume 18 Number 6