Colonoscopy-assisted colostomy--an alternative to laparotomy: report of two cases.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing fecal diversion with the help of a colonoscope without a concomitant laparotomy.

METHODS

Colostomies were performed on two patients who needed fecal diversion and who would benefit from avoiding the morbidity of laparotomy. A colonoscope was used in each case to guide the surgeon in selecting the appropriate bowel segment.

RESULTS

No complications related to the colostomy were noted in either patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of colonoscopy-assisted colostomy that we have described offers an acceptable method of creating a stoma without the need for laparotomy.