Cecostomy revisited. Still a useful operation.

The necessity of a cecostomy in the management of large-bowel obstruction continues to be debated. Recent reviews have tended to discredit or disregard this therapeutic method in favor of the colostomy. Past criticism has focused on three central issues. First, local stomal care is difficult. Second, satisfactory bowel preparation cannot be accomplished. Third, a high incidence of surgical closure of the cecostomy is reported. In light of this continuous controversy, a retrospective review of tube cecostomies was conducted to assess the indications, morbidity, and success or failure associated with this treatment modality.