Indwelling ileostomy valve device.

Complications after construction of a continent ileostomy may require reoperation to restore continence. Although most patients accept another operation, a few refuse further operative intervention. In such patients we have employed an indwelling ileostomy valve device. A Silastic tube with a circumferential balloon to provide a leakproof seal functionally replaces the nipple valve that has failed. In 14 patients, the valve device has maintained continuous and voluntary control over evacuation without untoward local or systemic effects. If further investigation continues to support this approach to maintaining continence, use of an indwelling ileostomy valve device might be preferable to continued creation of the nipple valve.