The results of colostomy closure.

Complications arouse in 93 (44 per cent) of 213 patients following the closure of a temporary colostomy. These complications include 1 death, 19 faecal fistulas, 3 large bowel obstructions and 24 incisional hernias. Complications were most commonly seen following closure of colostomies of the sigmoid colon, especially when such closure was undertaken between the fourth and twelfth weeks after definite surgery. It is concluded that still greater care is needed in both the operative technique and the preoperative care of these patients.