Complications of colostomy and colostomy closure in Ibadan, Nigeria

Objective: To define the incidence of, and factors contributing to the complications of colostomy and colostomy closure at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Patients and Method: Retrospective review of hospital records of all the patients that had colostomy/colostomy closure in the hospital from 1985 to 1994 was conducted. Two hundred and sixty nine colostomies were performed, 154 of which were fully evaluated. Loop colostomies on the sigmoid (35.7%) and transverse colon (27.3%) were most commonly performed. Indications for colostomy in adults were rectal carcinoma, acquired fistulae, colorectal injury and colonic obstruction. Anorectal anomalies and Hirschsprung's disease were the indications in children. Complications and deaths related to colostomy and colostomy closures were noted. Results: Death rate was 17.6% mostly from sepsis. Mortalities were higher (p