Spontaneous Stoma Closure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A rare case of spontaneous stoma closure is reported, highlighting an unusual healing process and a novel patient technique.

Contribution

The report introduces a novel patient-reported technique of pushing the stoma inside, potentially contributing to spontaneous closure.

Findings

Spontaneous stoma closure occurred in a 67-year-old female without surgical intervention.

The patient's technique of pushing the stoma inside may have contributed to the closure.

Only six cases of spontaneous stoma closure have been documented in the literature.

Abstract

Stomas serve various purposes, and surgical closure of temporary stomas is typically performed once the underlying reason for their creation has been resolved. However, spontaneous closure of a stoma without surgical intervention is exceptionally rare. Here, we present a case of spontaneous stoma closure. A 67-year-old female presented with symptoms indicative of partial bowel obstruction. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed circumferential wall thickening involving the transverse, splenic flexure, and proximal descending colon, along with a dilated proximal colon. Urgent intervention led to a total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and the creation of a diverting loop ileostomy. Six months later, she was then booked for stoma closure but found that the stoma was already closed, and the patient reported a history of pushing the stoma inside by herself. Spontaneous closure of a stoma is extremely rare. The mechanism behind spontaneous closure is not fully understood. Stoma retraction or the healing process of an enterocutaneous (EC) fistula can be attributable factors. Only six cases of spontaneous stoma closure have been reported in the literature. The technique that has been described by the patient of pushing the stoma inside has not been discussed before. Gradual retraction of the stoma and the healing process of EC fistula are the most common acceptable factors. The technique of pushing the stoma inside could be a helpful factor in spontaneous stoma closure. Long-term follow-up can help in understanding the unclear mechanism of this condition.

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