Primary repair vs colostomy in colonic injuries - a two year experience at Lahore General Hospital and Mayo Hospital, Lahore

Abstract

The object of the study was to compare the results of primary repair in colonic injury with colostomy. 200 patients were selected, 100 being allocated to each group .All patients underwent laprotomy mostly indicated by peritoneal irritation. Most of the injuries were of the transverse colon. 22 patients underwent into exteriorization of the repaired part. Right hemicolectomy and ileocolic anastomosis was done in 30 patients. A significant morbidity occurred from wound sepsis, abdominal abscess formation and postoperative pulmonary complications. 22 patients suffered from burst abdomen and 10 developed faecal fistulas. 4 patients died. Prolonged mean hospital stay and more incidences of postoperative complications occurred in colostomy group. This shows that primary repair of colonic injuries should be done in selected cases instead of colostomy in each case.