Skin bridge loop stoma: outcome in 45 patients in comparison with stoma made on a plastic rod

Background: Loop stoma reduces the complications related to anastomotic leak. The skin bridge loop stoma is a recently described technique with many potential advantages over the current technique involving a plastic rod. Our experience shows early results (3 weeks after surgery) comparing skin bridge and plastic rod stoma creation. Methods: In 45 patients operated from January 2016 to December 2018, a loop ileostomy was performed with the skin bridge technique. We compared functional results with a prospective series of 45 patients on which ileostomy was performed on a plastic rod. The report of the routine stoma care visit at 7 and 15 days was compared, as well as the “Stoma quality of life” questionnaire when available. Results: We observed more inflammatory changes of the skin around the stoma in the group with a plastic rod (33 vs 10 patients). The patient-reported evaluation of quality of life showed a better quality of life in skin bridge group. The rate of exchanged stoma wafers was 2.6 vs 5.2 per week in the skin bridge group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The skin bridge stoma creation resulted in better early management of the stoma, better adhesion of the stoma appliances, and better quality of life of the patient. As an increased number of stoma appliances are required in the early postoperative period, the economic burden of this treatment is relevant in relation to the major number of medical equipment used in the early period.