Colostomy closure using local anesthesia.

The feasibility of performing colostomy closures using local anesthesia was evaluated. The subjects comprised 14 patients: 2 with colostomies involving a mucous fistula and 12 with loop colostomies. Patients who had colostomies with mucous fistulas separated by 10cm or more were excluded from this study. All patients were graded as ASA 1 (according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists). The bowel was evaluated by colonoscopy in 6 patients and by barium enema in 8 patients. Bowel preparation was performed with Colayte and all patients were given prophylactic antibiotics. Closure of the colostomy was extraperitoneal and the time taken to perform the operation ranged from 40 to 120min. Tolerance was regarded as excellent in 9 patients, good in 3, and average in 2. There were 3 anastomotic leaks that resolved without further surgical treatment, 2 wound infections, and 1 bowel obstruction that was successfully treated with medication. Patients were discharged 2-22 days postoperatively, after a mean period of 9 days. Local anesthesia offers a safe and effective alternative to general or regional anesthesia for surgical closure of colostomies.