[Management of colostomies with plug: clinical aspects and patient evaluation].

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of the one-piece disposable plug device Conseal (Coloplast A/S, Espergaerd, Denmark) in colostomy patients, considering clinical and social aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with definitive (perineal-abdominal amputation 17 cases) or transitory (Hartmann in 3 cases) colostomy were studied prospectively. No patient used self-irrigations. All of them completed the study. After obtaining the patient's consent, we analyzed for comfort, leaks, security, easy handling and skin conditions by means of personal interview and clinical examination. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (80%) had previously used conventional colostomy bags, 4 (20%) started to use the plug device during the postoperative period (average 8.7 days). Fifteen patients (75%) preferred to use the plug, whereas 5 (25%) considered the plug was insecure. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the one-piece disposable plug device improves the quality of life in patients with colostomy, although adequate selection of patients and previous training are mandatory.