• neoplasm recurrence, local
• colostomy
• surgical stomas

Urinary and fecal diversion is needed to restore normal function after total pelvic exenteration because of gynecological cancer.1 In these patients, the Bricker procedure and end colostomy are often used for this purpose. Nevertheless, their use may lead to complications in patients with previous radiotherapy and may influence the ileum anastomosis. Additionally, the Bricker procedure has been reported to be associated a high rate of late complications (>30 days). Finally, two stoma are needed, conditioning the self-perception of the patient and increasing the difficulty of management of the stoma.

To avoid these drawbacks, double-barrel wet colostomy has been proposed as an alternative method to classical reservoirs using two stomas.2 If we compare the use of the Bricker procedure and end colostomy with double barrel wet colostomy, the latter presents the following advantages: it is technically easier, requires only one stoma, avoids small bowel anastomosis (previous radiation may predispose to leaks) and reduces surgical time.3 4 No differences have been reported in the rate of postoperative complications.2 Additionally, double-barrel wet colostomy is less complex for the patients regarding the stoma management and care, resulting in better self-perception by the patient.

Video 1 explains the step-by-step procedure in a patient diagnosed with relapsed cervical cancer previously treated with chemoradiotherapy plus brachytherapy.

During the postoperative period, several studies have demonstrated there is no statistically significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications such as stenosis of the uretero-intestinal anastomosis, obstructive nephropathy, formation of calculi in the conduit, urinary infections or electrolyte imbalances (Table 1).1–4 The urine drains into a reservoir distal to the stoma; consequently, the mixture of fecal content with urine and the resultant ascending pyelonephritis is greatly reduced. Furthermore, with adequate stoma care and regular change of collection appliances, peristomal dermatitis and other local skin complications can be avoided or easily controlled.

Regarding the management of the stoma and the quality of life of these patients, they are generally satisfied with the functional results. They should be reviewed regularly by a stoma therapist during the follow-up in order to solve any peristoma problems. An ileostomy bag with an air filter is used; urine draining is done by opening the clamp, and the pouch must be emptied when it’s one-third full of stool. The most common complaint is the need to empty the collection bag during the night more frequently. On average, patients must change the collection system every 5 days.

Finally, one of the most important advantages is the improvement in the quality of life and self-perception of these women. Lopes de Queiroz used the QLQ-C30 questionnaire for measuring quality of life in five of nine patients who underwent double-barrel wet colostomy, and reported high functional results and global improvement in their health status.