Loop ileostomy (decompression type) using polytetrafluroethylene.

iverting ileostomy was initially introduced and used by Turnbull and Weakley to provide fecal diversion in patients with toxic megacolon. Traditionally, transverse colostomy has been the preferred method for temporary proximal diversion in patients with colonic obstruction. 3 However, recently, diverting ileostomy has been popularized for proximal diversion, mainly for lack of an offensive odor of the ileostomy effluent compared with fecal material from a colostomy. 3 We have used diverting ileostomy routinely for protection of ileorectal anastomoses, especially when tension exists at the site of anastomoses or for those patients who have been on steroids. Several complications such as stenosis, retraction of the stoma (the most common complication), prolapse, fistula, dermatitis, skin irritation (up to 49%), and parastomal hernia have been reported. 5 So far, several efforts have been made to use mesh or fascia in order to decrease the rate of complications. Despite the advances in operative techniques, the creation of a satisfactory ileal stoma and the proper management of ileostomy complications are often not feasible so that in some cases, up to 25% revision of the ileostomy after its creation have been reported. – 8 Polytetrafluroethylene, also known as GoreTex, is a nonallergic semirigid substance with no permeable pores in it. Therefore, for its unique characteristics, it seems that it can be used to decrease the complications of ileostomy.