Complications of closure of loop colostomy.

Among 71 patients undergoing loop colostomy closure, one complication or more developed after operation in 35. Most of the complications were not serious, but there were two anastomotic leaks and two patients died. Some of the complications may be prevented by avoiding the use of drains and by packing the skin and subcutaneous tissues open with Vaseline gauze. There does not appear to be any advantage in using antibiotics in preoperative bowel preparation. A one-layer intraperitoneal colostomy closure can be done safely but is frequently associated with minor complications.