RADIOLOGY OF THE CONTINENT ILEOSTOMY RESERVOIR .2. FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH LATE COMPLICATIONS

During an 8-year period, 238 barium double-contrast studies performed in 162 patients with continent ileostomy reservoirs who had signs and symptoms of late complications (malfunction of the valve, non-specific inflammation of the mucosa, stenoses, hernias, and fistulas) showed r adiologic abnormalities. The aim of the present study is to depict the radiologic findings in patients with late complications of continent ileostomy reservoirs. With radiologic examination, the correct diagnos is of valve malfunction was made in 96% of patients with surgically pr oven valve defects. We were able to differentiate between various type s of valve dysfunction and complications related to the fixation of th e reservoir to the abdominal wall. Inflammatory mucosal changes and fi stulas of the reservoir and the afferent ileal segment were depicted w ith a high degree of accuracy. Barium double-contrast radiologic exami nation proved to be very valuable in the work-up of patients with dysf unction of continent ileostomy reservoirs. The method was of particula r value in assessing the cause of valve dysfunction and in the apprais al of the afferent ileal segment.