Mucosal enteritis: a complication of the continent ileostomy.

Mucosal enteritis, a nonspecific inflammation of both the mucosa and submucosa, is a complication seen in 13 per cent to 43 per cent of patients with a continent ileostomy. Six cases are presented with emphasis on history, diagnosis, and treatment. Because the inflammation is secondary to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in a functional blind loop, treatment consists of drainage and antibiotics. Metronidazole may be the drug of choice. Refractory cases will benefit only by resection and conversion to a Brooke ileostomy.