COLOSTOMY TUBE - NEW DEVICE FOR A CONTINENT COLOSTOMY

PURPOSE: This study describes a new device (the colostomy tubus) for potentially establishing continence in patients with a diverted bowel. METHODS: The device was used in an animal experiment on dogs. The period of wearing the device was from one day to an uninterrupted insertion period of eight months. The device was used on an end sigmoid colostomy (4 dogs) and on a specifically shaped pouch stoma (2 dogs), in which the results proved most favorable. RESULTS: There were no complications caused by the device itself. The colostomy tubus seems to be a safe method of creating a continent colostomy and causes no tissue lesions. It proved reliable to wear. CONCLUSION: The device seems reasonable for human use, and a trial is currently under way.