Effects of olive oil applied to the nonfunctional distal colon on atrophic changes in patients undergoing ostomy

Abstract

Aim: Temporary colostomy is commonly performed for diseases requiring multi-stage surgery in pediatric surgical practice such as for anal atresia and Hirschsprung’s disease. Through this study, we aimed to decrease the diameter difference between the proximal and distal colon and subsequently provide surgical ease and to investigate the effect of 1-month application of pure olive oil, which is considered a trophic factor, to prevent distal colonic atrophy. Materials and Methods: In total, 24 pediatric patients who were treated at our clinic between June 2017 and November 2018 and who were scheduled to undergo colostomy closure were prospectively followed up. The patients were grouped into the following two groups: control group (n = 10), patients who were administered 5 cc 0.9% physiological saline solution twice a day for a month and olive oil group (n = 9), patients who were administered 5 cc pure olive oil as a trophic agent twice a day for a month. Results: There were significant differences in terms of mucosal thickness, muscular thickness, wall thickness, and colonic lumen diameter between the proximal and distal colon in the control group. On the other hand, in the olive oil group, there was no significant difference between the proximal and distal colon. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of first bowel movement and discharge times. Conclusion: Administration of olive oil from the distal colon opening prior to performing colostomy closure can decrease the diameter difference between the proximal and distal colons and provide easier surgical performance.