Loop stomas with a subcutaneously placed bridge device.

AIM: To describe and evaluate a new technique for supporting a loop stoma with a simple removable subcutaneous bridge device. METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent a procedure resulting in a loop stoma. Thirty patients had a loop colostomy and twenty-five a loop ileostomy. In all cases, the stoma was supported with a removable subcutaneous redivac drain fixed to the skin. RESULTS: There was no incidence of mechanical obstruction, stenosis, retraction, mucosal erosion or subcutaneous infection. Daily cleaning and care of the stoma was very simple, and the removal of the bridge device was carried out without opening the collecting bag. CONCLUSION: Our proposed technique is safe and feasible without considerable complications.