A non-surgical device for faecal diversion in the management of perineal burns

Background Burns to the perineal, buttock and upper thigh areas are frequently exposed to continual faecal contamination which results in sepsis, graft loss, delayed wound healing and shrinkage of scars. A temporary diverting colostomy may be required. Two specifically designed intrarectal catheters were evaluated for their safety and ability to divert faeces away from the burn and allow wound healing. Methods A prospective study was conducted involving patients at the burns centre. Either the Zassi Bowel Management System or the Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System were used. These differed only in the presence of a specific intraluminal balloon in the Zassi system to facilitate retention of infused irrigates. Data regarding skin graft success, wound contamination and adverse events were collected. Results The study included eight participants, five of whom were treated successfully without colostomy. Four participants experienced complications, comprising one bowel occlusion, one anal ulceration and two reversible cases of anal atony. Conclusion A specifically designed intrarectal catheter can divert faeces to allow wound healing, and may avert colostomy. More studies are necessary to evaluate safety.