Creation Of Intestinal Stomas Research Articles

Examining How Religion is Addressed During Preoperative Stoma Counseling

IntroductionAn intestinal stoma creation is one of the most common surgical procedures. Despite benefits, a stoma can have serious effects on a patient's quality of life. Multiple dimensions of everyday life can be affected such as social life, body image, as well as ability to participate in some religious practices, with some faith groups being disproportionately affected. This study sought to understand the extent to which faith is addressed during these sessions given the integral role it plays for some patients. MethodsA survey was developed based on literature review and expert consultation. This was distributed to ostomy certified nursing staff, inflammatory bowel disease gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons caring for patients requiring a permanent stoma at a high-volume academic institution. Follow-up semistructured interviews were conducted to delve deeper into themes identified in the surveys. ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 57%. Only 35% reported training on how stomas interface with religious practices. Religious services were either rarely or never present during preoperative counseling discussions. During interviews, it was noted that religious beliefs often impact after care but are not always discussed during preoperative sessions. Interviewees found these conversations to be difficult with minimal support or direction on how to navigate them. ConclusionsAlthough very important, health-care providers are not including faith-based issues surrounding stomas in perioperative counseling partly due to lack of training or awareness of existing support systems. As our population diversifies, understanding cultural and religious practices that influence care is increasingly important.

A Multi-Institutional Study Comparing Stoma Location in Neonates With Intestinal Perforation

IntroductionNeonates with intestinal perforation often require laparotomy and intestinal stoma creation, with the stoma placed in either the laparotomy incision or a separate site. We aimed to investigate if stoma location is associated with risk of postoperative wound complications. MethodsA multi-institutional retrospective review was performed for neonates ≤3 mo who underwent emergent laparotomy and intestinal stoma creation for intestinal perforation between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2021. Patients were stratified by stoma location (laparotomy incision versus separate site). Outcomes included wound infection/dehiscence, stoma irritation, retraction, stricture, and prolapse. Multivariable regression identified factors associated with postoperative wound complications, controlling for gestational age, age and weight at surgery, and diagnosis. ResultsOverall, 79 neonates of median gestational age 28.8 wk (interquartile range [IQR]: 26.0-34.2 wk), median age 5 d (IQR: 2-11 d) and median weight 1.4 kg (IQR: 0.9-2.42 kg) had perforated bowel from necrotizing enterocolitis (40.5%), focal intestinal perforation (31.6%), or other etiologies (27.8%). Stomas were placed in the laparotomy incision for 41 (51.9%) patients and separate sites in 38 (48.1%) patients. Wound infection/dehiscence occurred in 7 (17.1%) neonates with laparotomy stomas and 5 (13.2%) neonates with separate site stomas (P = 0.63). There were no significant differences in peristomal irritation, stoma retraction, or stoma stricture between the two groups. On multivariable regression, separate site stomas were associated with increased likelihood of prolapse (odds ratio 6.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-37.5). ConclusionsStoma incorporation within the laparotomy incision is not associated with wound complications. Separate site stomas may be associated with prolapse. Patient factors should be considered when planning stoma location in neonates undergoing surgery for intestinal perforation.

Multimodality imaging in assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal reversal

BackgroundSeveral imaging modalities are available to assess complications post intestinal stoma creation. The aim of this study was the radiological assessment of intestinal complications pre-stomal closure using routine fluoroscopic water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE), combined CT-WSCE, and MRI-enema with rectal gel administration. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the potential alterations in the surgical management plan based on imaging findings.ResultsThis prospective cross-sectional study recruited 130 patients with stomas referred for the assessment of stoma integrity. Thirty-six patients with stoma-related intestinal complications were included. Patients with complications were subdivided into 3 groups. Group A 15 patients with intestinal stomas referred for WSCE pre-stomal closure and complementary CT-WSCE evaluation was performed. Comparison between the detection of the complications by WSCE alone and combined CT-WSCE among group A was statistically significant (p = 0.008) yet the alteration of the surgical plan based on both modalities was not statistically significant (p = 0.063). Group B 11 patients with poor general conditions were referred directly for combined CT-WSCE assessment, complications diagnosed in this group: 6 (54.5%) intestinal obstruction, 2 (18.2%) pericolic collections, 2 (18.2%) abnormal fistula and 1 (9.1%) anastomotic leak. Group C 10 patients with intestinal stomas with malignant or inflammatory conditions referred directly for MRI-enema assessment, showed complications as follows: 3 (30%) colon/rectal tumoral recurrence, 2 (20%) strictures, 2 (20%) pericolic collections and 3 (30%) abnormal intestinal fistulous communications. Comparison between complicated colorectal cancer patients (20 patients) versus other complicated patients secondary to other surgical indications (16 patients) enrolled in the study from the 3 different groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.125).ConclusionsCombined CT and WSCE is superior in the detection of intestinal fistulas, peri-colic collections, tumor recurrence, and para-stomal hernias than WSCE alone and might lead to a change of management. MRI after rectal gel administration can serve as reliable substitute in some patients for the detection of intestinal complications namely fistulas and tumor recurrence.

Quality of Life in Patients over Age 65 after Intestinal Ostomy Creation as Treatment of Large Intestine Disease.

For patients with severe intestinal diseases, ostomy surgery can be health-preserving and even lifesaving. Unfortunately, stoma creation also results in a morbidity that patients must manage. Utilization of the correct ostomy appliances is essential for the patient to regain full daily fitness. Patients also now have access to stoma clinics and fistula support groups where they can receive education and emotional support. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of patients over 65 years of age with an intestinal stoma, created for treatment of severe colorectal disease. The study involved 100 patients (52 women, 48 men) over the age of 65 with an intestinal stoma. Demographic and medical information was collected. The patients completed diagnostic surveys using the SF-36v2 questionnaire and the author's questionnaire. Analysis demonstrated statistically significant relationships between the quality of life of the patient population and stressors of everyday life. Furthermore, there are statistically significant relationships between quality of life and demographic factors including age, marital status, place of residence, and education. Only gender was not a statistically significant factor. A lengthened time interval to intestinal stoma creation is associated with an improved quality of life as well as psychological and emotional acceptance of the intestinal stoma. Support relationships with loved ones is associated with the acceptance of an intestinal stoma. There is a relationship between acceptance of an intestinal stoma and demographic factors such as marital status, place of residence, and education. Gender did not show any significant relationship. Stoma complications are not related to the acceptance of an intestinal stoma.

Treatment of perianal fistulae in crohn's disease with mesenchymal stem cells

Crohn's disease is a chronic syndrome of the gastrointestinal tract that produces idiopathic inflammation. Approximately half of the patients develop abscesses and/or fistulas throughout their history that are located, mainly, in the perianal region. Current treatments are based on individualized plans that generally use combined pharmacology for symptomatic relief based on glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants or immunomodulators, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, probiotics, and antibodies, or surgical therapies such as intestinal resections or ostomizations (colostomy and ileostomy) that tend to cause notable side effects in a considerable percentage of patients and a significant decrease in their quality of life. Perianal fistulas consist of abnormal tracts, inflammatory tunnels, or chronic tracts of granular tissue that connect two surfaces lined with epithelium, have an external hole in the skin that borders the anus, and an internal hole located inside it around the anal canal, rectus and sphincters. Treatment is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach and the combination of several treatments. In the short term, the goal is to drain abscesses, reduce inflammatory and infectious processes, guard the fistulous tract with seton or lax lines, facilitate patency, and hinder new formations. In the long term, a total cure and the avoidance of complications that require surgery or the creation of intestinal stomas are pursued. For this reason, new effective remedies with fewer adverse effects continue to be investigated, one of the most promising being the use of mesenchymal stem cells for the regeneration and cure of perianal fistulas and the remission of symptoms. The present bibliographic review delves into this new therapy and analyzes the current state of the situation regarding its efficacy and safety.

Racial disparities after stoma construction in colorectal surgery.

Racial disparities are under-recognized among patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the complication rates and surgical outcomes stratified by race and ethnicity among patients undergoing colorectal surgery with intestinal stoma creation. The ACS NSQIP database from 2013 to 2016 was used. Colon, rectum and small bowel cases requiring intestinal stoma creation were selected. Both African-American and other groups of minority patients were compared with Caucasian patients using a complex multivariable analysis model. Primary outcomes of interest were complication rates, mortality and extended hospital length of stay. The study included 38088 admissions. After multivariable analysis, African-American patients still had a prolonged length of hospital stay and higher complication rates. Other minorities also had a prolonged length of hospital stay and higher complication rates. Both African-American and other groups of minority patients requiring an ostomy suffer significantly higher postoperative complication rates and a prolonged hospital length of stay, even after comorbidity adjustment. Access to care, socioeconomic status and comorbid disease management are all important factors for minority patients who undergo colorectal surgery requiring intestinal stoma construction.

Effect of preoperative stoma site marking on early and late outcomes of intestinal stoma creation

Purpose To evaluate how preoperative markings of the stoma site influence patients’ quality of life (QOL), whether they improve patients’ independence, and what is their effect on the rates of postoperative early and late complications. Patients and methods This is a nonrandomized prospective cohort study that included 60 patients who underwent elective intestinal stoma creation in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A included 30 patients who experienced preoperative marking of their stoma site according to the educational guide developed by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Society, and group B included 30 patients who did not experience preoperative marking of their stoma site. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to assess patients’ QOL and the stoma QOL 1 month after surgery. The occurrence of complications was noted during regular outpatient follow-up encounters, with median follow-up of 1 year, and was evaluated by stoma and equipment-related complication scale. Results A total of 60 patients (48.3% females and 51.7% males) were included. Their mean age was 48.32±14.10 years. It was found that the QOL score of patients whose stoma site was marked (group A) was significantly better (45.03–65.01 vs. 33.58–56.19). Overall satisfaction was significantly better in group A (5.27±1.78 vs. 2.73±2.32). Conclusion The patients whose stoma sites were preoperatively marked had significantly better QOL and significantly fewer early postoperative complications, and these results are irrespective of the stoma type.

Parastomal hernia - current knowledge and treatment.

Intestinal stoma creation is one of the most common surgical procedures. The most common long-term complication following stoma creation is parastomal hernia, which according to some authors is practically unavoidable. Statistical differences of its occurrence are mainly due to patient observation time and evaluation criteria. Consequently, primary prevention methods such as placement of prosthetic mesh and newly developed minimally invasive methods of stoma creation are used. It seems that in the light of evidence-based medicine, the best way to treat parastomal hernia is the one that the surgeon undertaking therapy is the most experienced in and is suited to the individuality of each patient, his condition and comorbidities. As a general rule, reinforcing the abdominal wall with a prosthetic mesh is the treatment of choice, with a low rate of complications and relapses over a long period of time. The current trend is to use lightweight, large pore meshes.

A sutureless technique using cyanoacrylate adhesives when creating a stoma for extremely low birth weight infants.

PurposeIntestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are neonatal intestinal emergencies that are especially common in premature infants. While prompt surgical intervention, including stoma creation, is often required, the optimal surgical treatment has been controversial because of the substantial risks related to the stoma creation and management. The use of a tissue adhesive may have some advantages over the use of sutures when creating an intestinal stoma in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The purpose of this report was to present a novel approach for creating a stoma using a tissue adhesive in ELBW infants.MethodsA total of eight ELBW infants that underwent laparotomy with the creation of intestinal stomas using cyanoacrylate adhesive at our institution between 2009 and 2014 were enrolled. The clinical parameters, including the length of the operation, intra- and postoperative complications and the outcomes were evaluated.ResultsThe median body weight and gestational age at birth were 630 g and 24.3 weeks, respectively. The median age at referral was 11.5 days. The median length of the procedure was 58.5 min, including the inspection and resection of the intestine. All procedures were completed without any intraoperative complications. There were no postoperative complications associated with the stoma. Two patients died of the associated septic status.ConclusionsSutureless enterostomy using cyanoacrylate adhesive is a simple technique which has the potential to reduce the incidence of complications related to the intestinal stoma in ELBW infants.

Intestinal stomas: A 4-year experience in a neonatal intensive care unit

Background: In term and preterm newborns intestinal stoma creation may be required for the treatment of congenital anomalies as well as of acquired pathology related to prematurity. The procedure can be associated with significant complications. Patients and methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted in all infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Ancona, Italy, between Jan-2008 and Dec-2012, who underwent an intestinal stoma creation during hospitalization. Results: Twenty-four infants underwent intestinal stoma creation during the study period. Median gestational age was 216 days (IQR 190–237 d) and median birth weight was 1157 g (IQR 912–2132 g). The underling pathologies which required surgical intervention were necrotizing enterocolitis (16 patients), intestinal obstruction (4 patients), intestinal atresia (2 patients), meconium peritonitis (1 patient) and an intestinal vulvulus complicating a cystic lymphangioma (1 patient). Surgery was performed at a median postnatal age of 7 days (IQR 2–31). Sixteen patients underwent intestinal resection with stoma creation, eight a primary (protective) stoma creation. Nineteen were ileal-stomas, 1 was a proximal digiunal-stomas and 4 were double-stomas (digiunal, ileal or colonic). Sixteen patients were discharged or referred to a sub-intensive unit before stoma closure. Median duration of stoma care during hospitalization in NICU was 60 days (IQR 47–89 d). Median duration of parenteral nutrition was 58 days (IQR 24–80) and enteral nutrition was initiated using an amino acid-based formula in patients with NEC and human milk in those with gastrointestinal malformation. Cholestasis was diagnosed in 12 patients. Three patients developed stoma-related complications: two prolapses and one stenosis requiring dilatation. Nine patients presented sepsis during the stoma-care period. In each patient, daily stoma output and electrolyte balance were evaluated, and no hydro-electrolyte disorder occurred. Conclusions: Intestinal stoma care is not a rare circumstance in NICU. NEC is the most common gastrointestinal emergency requiring stoma creation. The procedure is associated with short- and long-term surgical and medical complications, which may be minimized with careful management.

Scarless Single-Incision Laparoscopic Loop Ileostomy: A Novel Technique

Laparoscopic surgery has become a favorable alternative to conventional open surgery for the creation of intestinal stomas, and it offers many benefits including reduced postoperative pain, ileus, and hospital stay. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been described for many abdominal operations. It may offer better cosmetic outcomes and reduce incisional pain, adhesions, and recovery time. In this study, we aimed to describe a novel technique of scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy for fecal diversion and to report our experience with 8 patients who underwent this procedure within a 1-year period. This study was designed as a retrospective case series. This investigation was conducted at a single-institution, tertiary referral center. Eight consecutive patients undergoing scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy between August 2009 and August 2010 were included. Scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomies were performed. Among the outcomes measured were operation time, intraoperative blood loss, recovery of intestinal function, length of hospital stay, and surgical complications. Seven patients underwent surgery for active Crohn's disease refractory to medical therapy. One patient underwent surgery for radiation-induced rectovesical fistula. Median surgery time was 76 minutes, and median intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL. Median length of postoperative hospitalization was 7 days. Of the 8 patients included in our series, 2 patients (25%) required reoperation for stoma ischemia because of vascular congestion that we attribute to a tight fascial opening or extensive bowel manipulation. Other surgical complications included nonoperative readmission for ileus and partial small-bowel obstruction (n = 2), anal dilation to evacuate an obstructed distal colon (n = 1), and peristomal cellulitis (n = 1). This study was limited by its small sample size and its retrospective nature. Scarless single-incision laparoscopic loop ileostomy is a feasible alternative to standard laparoscopy for fecal diversion. Surgeons attempting this technique should do so with caution, given the high stoma ischemia rate in our small case series.

Early stomal complications.

The creation of intestinal stomas for diversion of enteric contents is an important component of the surgical management of several gastroenterologic disease processes. Despite the frequency with which these procedures are performed, complications of stoma creation remain common, despite extensive measures aimed at reducing them. Early postoperative complications (those seen less than one month postoperatively) can lead to significant cost, both financially and psychologically, and incur significant morbidity. Commonly seen early postoperative stomal complications include improper stoma site selection, vascular compromise, retraction, peristomal skin irritation, peristomal infection/abscess/fistula, acute parastomal herniation and bowel obstruction, and pure technical errors. The author reviews these early complications associated with stoma creation, discusses means of preventing them, and outlines the management strategy for such complications when they do occur.

Using Figure Drawings to Assess Psychological Well-being among Colorectal Cancer Patients before and after Creation of Intestinal Stomas: A Brief Report

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the impact of stoma on the psychological well-being of colorectal cancer patients as reflected in their self-figure drawings. Twenty-four colorectal cancer patients referred to surgery were administered self-report questionnaires and were asked to draw themselves, 12 of these patients were administered the same questionnaire and drew a second self-figure drawing 3 months later. Results indicated a significant decrease in level of satisfaction in family domain after 3 months, and shakier body lines and specific additional features representing the stoma patch and the tumor were noted in the drawings.

Early Stomal Complications

The creation of intestinal stomas for diversion of enteric contents is an important component of the surgical management of several disease processes. However, complications of stoma creation are seen frequently, despite extensive measures aimed at reducing them. Early complications (those seen less than one month postoperatively) are frequently technical in nature. These include, but are not limited to, peristomal skin irritation, improper stoma site selection, acute peristomal herniation and bowel obstruction, and vascular compromise, along with several others. These authors review the early complications associated with stoma creation, discuss means of preventing them, and outline the management strategy for such complications when they do occur.

Laparoscopic versus open stoma creation for fecal diversion

This study compared the results for laparoscopic and conventional laparotomy techniques of intestinal stoma creation. All patients who underwent only fecal diversion without any other abdominal procedures were included. Neither prior laparotomy, inflammatory bowel diseases, nor recurrent or metastatic carcinoma were absolut contraindications. Parameters evaluated included age, indications, previous abdominal surgery, operative time, time until stoma function, and the length of postoperative hospitalization. Patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopy and laparotomy. Between March 1993 and October 1996, 41 laparoscopic and 11 intestinal stomas by laparotomy were performed for fecal diversion. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups relative to mean age of patients or history of previous abdominal surgery. No significant differences in mean operation time were noted among patients with prior abdominal surgery: laparoscopy group. 98 min vs. laparotomy group, 95 min. Among patients without prior abdominal surgery, the mean operation time was: laparoscopy group, 78 min vs. laparotomy group, 63 min (p = NS). Morbidity rates were not statistically different between the 2 groups. Stomas began to function in the laparoscopic group earliet (2.3 days) than in the laparotomy group (4.5 days) (p<0.05). Similarly, the length of postoperative hospitalization was shorter in the laparoscopic group (5.3 days vs. 7.6 days, p<0.05). Interestingly, at a mean follow-up of 22 months, none of the patients in the laparoscopic group had stoma prolapse vs. 2 patients in the laparotomy group. Laparoscopic stoma construction was accomplished without significantly longer operative time or complications and was associated with earlier function and more rapid hospital discharge than were stomas created by laparotomy. Moreover, in this small group of patients at short follow-up, stoma prolapse has not been observed.

Gasless laparoscopic-assisted intestinal stoma creation through a single incision

Intestinal stoma creation has been performed using both open and laparoscopic surgery. However, each technique still has disadvantages. We created the intestinal stoma through one incision, with the use of the laparoscope in a gasless fashion. This method has not been reported previously. Fourteen adult patients underwent this technique between February 1996 and December 1998. Indications for stoma creation were for various anorectal disease processes, most commonly for purposes of hygiene in patients with spinal cord injury. The average operative time to perform the stoma was 58 (range, 15-78) minutes, with minimal blood loss (<35 ml). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 22 months. Two cases (14 percent) were converted secondary to severe adhesions. All nonconverted patients were able to tolerate a regular diet within two days of surgery. There was only one stoma-related complication. Two patients (14 percent) died of comorbidities during follow-up. In conclusion, the initial experience with gasless laparoscopic-assisted intestinal stoma creation through a single incision is encouraging. Patients requiring ostomy creation as a single intervention may benefit from this approach.

Laparoscopic creation of stomas.

Some indications for laparoscopic bowel surgery are still controversial. However, the use of laparoscopic techniques for the treatment of benign disorders is less often challenged. Moreover, the morbidity of nonresectional procedures is less than that encountered with resectional cases. Therefore, stoma creation seems ideally suited to laparoscopy. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic stoma creation. All patients who underwent laparoscopic intestinal diversion were evaluated; parameters included age, gender, indication for the procedure, history of previous surgery, operative time, length of hospitalization, recovery of bowel function, and postoperative complications. Between March 1993 and January 1996, 32 patients of a mean age of 42.2 (range 19-72) years (14 males, 18 females) underwent elective laparoscopic fecal diversion (25 loop ileostomy, four loop colostomy, three end colostomy). Indications for fecal diversion were fecal incontinence (n = 11), Crohn's disease (n = 6), unresectable rectal cancer (n = 4), pouch vaginal fistula (n = 3), rectovaginal fistula (n = 2), colonic inertia (n = 2), radiation proctitis (n = 1), anal stenosis (n = 1), Kaposi's sarcoma of the rectum (n = 1), and tuberculous fistula (n = 1). Conversion was required in five patients (15.6%) due to the presence of adhesions (three), enterotomy (one), or colotomy (one). All of these five patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery and were operated on early in our experience. Major postoperative complications occurred in two patients (6%) and in both cases consisted of stoma outlet obstruction after construction of a loop ileostomy. One of the two patients had undergone prior surgery. This patient required reoperation, at which time a rotation of the terminal ileum at the stoma site was found. The other patient had a narrow fascial opening which was successfully managed with 2 weeks of self-intubation of the stoma. The mean operative time was 76 (range 30-210) min; mean length of hospitalization was 6.2 (range 2-13) days; stoma function started after a mean of 3.1 (range 1-6) days. Patients with previous abdominal surgery had a longer mean operative time (14/32; 117 min) compared to patients who had no previous surgery (18/32; 55 min) (p < 0.0002). These longer operative times and hospital stay were attributable to extensive enterolysis, which was required in some cases. In conclusion, laparoscopic creation of intestinal stomas is safe, feasible, and effective. Although the length of the procedure is longer in patients who have had prior surgery, previous surgery is not a contraindication, and even in these cases, a laparotomy can be avoided in the majority of patients. Lastly, care must be taken to ensure adequate fascial opening and correct limb orientation.

Hypothermia and sepsis: the major causes of mortality in gastroschisis.

From 1984 to 1993, 25 neonates with gastroschisis were treated at Chianghua Christian Hospital (CCH). Twenty-one patients were outborn, and only four were inborn babies. Eighteen patients were treated by primary fascial closure of the abdominal wall defect and seven, by the silastic sac technique. One patient required creation of intestinal stomas for ileal atresia; Two patients received further operation because of pus formation and intestinal obstruction. Four patients (16%) had associated anomalies, including one ileal atresia, two malrotations and one deformity of the hand. Seven (28%) patients were small for their gestational age. Eight patients died (32%); 17 survived (68%). Nine patients (36%) were hypothermic upon arrival at the hospital, with body temperatures of 32.5 degrees C to 35.8 degrees C. Among those, three died of intractable metabolic disorders related to hypothermia and two who were hypothermal and acidotic, developed sepsis and expired. Six patients (24%) developed sepsis and only one survived. Metabolic acidosis related to hypothermia and sepsis were the major causes of death in this study (P values of 0.024 and 0.01 respectively). It is no doubt that an experienced pediatrician is essential for immediate neonatal care to prevent unnecessary insults.

Gastroschisis: A 17-year experience

From 1970 to 1987, 23 neonates with gastroschisis were treated at Kobe Children's Hospital. One patient died and 22 survived (96%). Seven patients were hypothermic upon arrival at the hospital, with body temperatures of 31.8 to 35.4 degrees C. Six patients were successfully managed by warm saline bathing (40 to 42 degrees C for one minute) to improve hypothermia. One patient who did not receive this rewarming procedure (body temperature, 31.8 degrees C) died of intractable metabolic disorders related to hypothermia. Ten patients were treated by primary fascial closure of the abdominal wall defect, eight by the skin flap method with secondary closure of the deliberately created abdominal hernia, and five by the silastic sac technique. Two patients required creation of intestinal stomas for ileal atresia. After surgery, 19 patients required ventilatory care with total paralysis (average 6.0 days). Nine patients required total parenteral nutrition (TPN), while 13 tolerated enteral feeding on days 3 to 11 (average, 6.0 days). In the latter 13 patients, intravenous fluid therapy was discontinued on day 11. Our experience suggests that (1) rewarming in a saline bath is effective treatment for hypothermia, (2) ventilatory assistance with total paralysis is mandatory, and (3) TPN can be avoided in 60% of the patients.