Correction of an end colostomy prolapse with the Delorme technique. A case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of correction of an end colostomy prolapse with Delorme technique in an advanced stage oncologic patient to emphasize the clinical implications and advantages of this procedure.

CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old male patient with a stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma underwent laparoscopy for a palliative end colostomy at our institution. Approximately 6 months later, a prolapse of the colostomy occurred during chemotherapeutic treatment. The patient complained of progressive onset of pain and bleeding during defecation as well as difficulty managing the pouch system. Given the stage of the disease and the on-going chemotherapy, a minimally invasive approach was desirable for prolapse correction and we opted for the Delorme procedure under local anesthesia. The postoperative course was excellent with no complications, the symptoms regressed rapidly, and defecation was normal immediately after surgery. The patient was discharged on the second post-operative day. After discharge the stoma was periodically controlled, confirming the success of the procedure. The last clinical evaluation was performed 3 months after surgery and stability was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The Delorme technique is a minimally invasive procedure used to correct an end colostomy prolapse. This technique guarantees excellent results in selected patients and permits the avoidance of more invasive procedures.