An Audit of Colostomy among Adult Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Colostomy is a common general surgical operation that is carried out as either elective or emergency to divert feces and flatus to the exterior. Despite its frequency and importance, the procedure is not without some complications. This study aims to review and document the epidemiological characteristics of colostomy in a Nigerian tertiary institution over a period of time. Patients and Method: A retrospective review of all cases of colostomy among adult patients over a period of 10 years was documented. Socio-demographic data, stoma indication, type of colostomy, and complications were extracted from case notes and statistically analyzed using SPSS Version 24. Result: A total of 114 cases of colostomy were found, and 89 cases were sufficiently described for statistical analysis with 53 (59.4%) males and 36 (40.4%) females and a mean age of 52.18 years ± 16.85. Malignancy was the most common indication for colostomy creation in 64 (71.9%) while the remaining 25(29.1%) were in benign conditions including trauma. Post-colostomy complications were recorded in 47 (52.8%) cases, with surgical site infection seen in 27% of patients. The mortality rate was higher in patients with underlying malignancy. Conclusion: Malignancy is the commonest indication for colostomy in this cohort and surgical site infection is a significant morbidity.