THE TREPHINE STOMA - FORMATION OF A STOMA WITHOUT LAPAROTOMY

A trephine stoma may be an attractive alternative for those patients w ho require a stoma but not a laparotomy. Twenty-seven consecutive pati ents were candidates for formation of a trephine stoma. A loop ileosto my was successfully constructed in seven patients and an end sigmoid c olostomy in 15, while conversion to a formal laparotomy was necessary in five patients mainly because the sigmoid colon was immobile or ther e were extensive adhesions. The absence of a major abdominal wound mad e the postoperative course simple with little pain, a quick recovery, and early discharge from hospital.