LAPAROSCOPIC STOMA FORMATION FOR FECAL DIVERSION

Background Laparoscopic creation of an intestinal stoma may be prefera ble to open operation when intervention is required solely far faecal diversion, Methods Experience with laparoscopic intestinal stoma forma tion for faecal diversion from a single institution is presented. Resu lts A total of 55 stomas were studied, 40 laparoscopic and 15 open. Th e conversion rate from laparoscopic to open operation was 5 per cent. Mean (s.e.m.) operating time was significantly reduced for laparoscopi c stomas (54(4.7) versus 72(8.7) min). Time to return of bowel functio n was significantly reduced (1.6(0.3) versus 2.2(0.2) days). Mean(s.e. m.) hospital stay was significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group (7.4(0.5) versus 12.6(2.5) days). Conclusion Morbidity and mortality a ppeared to be reduced in patients undergoing laparoscopic stoma format ion. The technique tvas found to be safe, suitable for the majority of patients and to give results superior to those of open surgery.