Ileostomies for severely ill children with ileo-colic intussusception: our experience at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Context: Complicated intussusception is associated with life-threatening intestinal gangrene and peritonitis. In critically ill children, a primary ileocolic anastomosis may increase their morbidity and mortality and, thus, a temporary ileostomy may be a safer option.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the indications, outcomes, and complications after temporary ileostomies for infants with ileocolic intussusception in our institution.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of infants who had ileostomies created in our institution following complicated ileocolic intussusceptions between January 2014 and December 2022. The indications, postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and recovery were noted and compared.

Results: Thirty-four infants had ileostomies created for complicated ileocolic intussusception during this period. There were 13 girls and 21 boys aged 3-10 months (median = 6 months). The indications for ileostomy were intestinal gangrene, colonic perforation, peritonitis, and haemodynamic instability. Ileostomies were created in the primary surgery in 24 patients while 10 had stomas created as a secondary procedure following an anastomotic dehiscence. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (73.5%). Four children died shortly after surgery from the primary disease, while one child died from re-feeding syndrome. Children who required stoma creation following dehiscence of a primary anastomosis had more complications, a longer hospital stay, and a longer delay in commencing feeds. However, there was no difference in mortality rates or time of stoma closure.

Conclusion: Temporary ileostomies could potentially reduce intussusception-related mortality and morbidity, ultimately improving the outcome of very ill infants.