Reflux from the continent ileostomy reservoir

The reflux from the continent ileostomy reservoir was studied with radiologic and pressure recording techniques in ten patients. The contrast used was poly-iodine-styrene with a density of 0.8 to 1.1 gm/cm3. Reflux into the afferent loop was demonstrated in all patients at a filling volume of approximately 30 percent of the maximal volume capacity of the reservoir. The magnitude of reflux increased with the increasing volume of the reservoir contents and a rise in reservoir pressure. The reflux could temporarily be influenced by antiperistaltic or isoperistaltic motor activity in the afferent loop. Although no adverse effects were seen from the amount of reflux demonstrated in the present investigation, the finding of increasing reflux with increased fullness and intraluminal pressure of the reservoir would indicate that the reservoir should be emptied at regular intervals and before high pressures are built up.