Temporary loop ileostomy.

A refinement of the technique for constructing the temporary loop ileostomy using a subcutaneous absorbable bridge is described. This leaves the skin surface uncluttered and allows immediate fitting of a watertight appliance. Clinical experience in 22 patients confirms that this is a safe, simple defunctioning stoma with few complications and in our practice has also replaced the loop colostomy as the covering stoma for difficult colorectal anastomoses.