Rodless end-loop stomas. Seven-year experience.

The rodless, end-loop stoma was developed as an alternative to the more traditional loop stoma to minimize patient management problems. A retrospective review of our seven-year experience in 229 patients with end-loop colostomies (135), ileocolostomies (70), and ileostomies (24) is presented. A total of 30 stoma-related complications were observed in 27 stomas, for an overall complication rate of 13.1 percent. The most common complications were skin excoriation secondary to leakage (3.5 percent), retraction (3.5 percent), partial necrosis (2.6 percent), and peristomal sepsis (1.8 percent). Mucocutaneous separation, prolapse, and stenosis were each seen in less than one percent of patients. No cases of stomal herniation, obstruction, or hemorrhage were encountered. Twelve deaths occurred, but none was attributed to stoma-related complications. The rodless, end-loop stoma is a simple and safe procedure with many advantages and a low incidence of complications.