Laparostomy for severe intra-abdominal infection complicating colorectal disease

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of laparostomy in th e management of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection resulting fr om colorectal disease. METHODS: Seven patients, four with inflammatory bowe l disease, two with colorectal carcinoma, and one with diverticular perfora tion, underwent laparostomy during a six-year period for postoperative, sev ere, intra-abdominal infection. RESULTS: The median age was 42 years, the m ean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 22.7, and t he observed mortality was 28.6 percent (2/7 patients). In one patient the l aparostomy was closed at 11 days; in all the others the wound was left to h eal by granulation and contraction, and two of these later required reconst ructive surgery. The median follow-up was three years and seven months. CON CLUSION: Laparostomy is an effective and practical method of managing patie nts with severe intra-abdominal infection as a result of colorectal disease .