Improving transverse colostomy function.

Loop transverse colostomies as usually constructed without immediate mucocutaneous anastomosis function poorly even a year later, with diarrheal fluid output approaching 1 liter/day on a regular diet. In contrast, primarily matured end transverse colostomies produce an average of 750 cc/day at one month and 560 cc/day at nine to twelve months on a similar diet. A further reduction to 360 cc/day was achieved on an experimental 70 mEq sodium diet. It is suggested that end transverse colostomies with immediate maturation should be performed in all patients requiring a transverse colostomy for more than a very short time to markedly improve colostomy function.