Closure of terminal and loop colostomy.

The clinical course after closing of a temporary colostomy was studied in 56 patients, 26 with loop colostomy and 30 with terminal colostomy. No significant difference was found in the complication rate or hospital stay between the two groups. It is concluded that terminal colostomy is preferable, as a standard procedure, because it is more acceptable to the patient and gives a complete diversion of the fecal stream.