The Erlangen magnetic colostomy control device: technique of use and results in 22 patients

Abstract

The evolution and general principle of the Erlangen magnetic ring colostomy device are described and its practical use illustrated by reference to a personal series of 22 patients treated with the device. Analysis of the functional results obtained in 13 of these cases, who were assessed after at least 3 months' trial, shows that only 3, or at most 4, could be considered to have achieved worth-while continence, but there are grounds for believing that these results might be improved a little by more stringent selection of patients for the procedure and by employing a more meticulous technique for implanting the rings.