The Efficacy of Colostomy for the Sacral or Ischial Pressure Sore in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

ABSTRACT

Pressure sore is a necrotic ulceration of the skin and underlying tissue, and usually occurs over the bony prominences of the body after prolonged or repeated pressure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of colostomy performed as an adjunct procedure to heal pressure ulcers on the sacral or ischial area in patients with spinal cord injury. We reviewed the data from 19 spinal cord injury patients who needed surgery for treatment of the sacral or ischial pressure sore. Of these 19 patients, 7 underwent colostomy before the surgery for the pressure sore. The range of organisms isolated in the group that underwent colostomy was compared with that of the other group. The patients who underwent colostomy before the surgery were asked about bowel care, dietary management of the fecal stream and their satisfaction with colostomy. This study showed improvement of the infection control in the postoperative wound after colostomy. All 7 patients expressed their satisfaction with the procedure and didn't undergo colostomy closure. Our conclusion is that colostomy may be an appropriate ancillary treatment for some spinal cord injury patients with the sacral or ischial pressure sore.