Maggots at colostomy site: an unusual finding!

A 77-year-old male patient who had undergone sigmoid colostomy for acute intestinal obstruction secondary to rectal infiltration by an advanced, inoperable prostate carcinoma presented to emergency with complaints of pain at the colostomy site. Local examination revealed the presence of maggots, an edematous stoma that was patent, discharging normal stools, and surrounding skin excoriation (Fig. 1). Turpentine oil was applied and the maggots were removed. Glycerin/magnesium sulfate was applied over the stoma to reduce mucosal edema with a good response (Fig. 2). The patient and his primary caretaker were taught and advised regarding colostomy care