[Stricture of the colon induced by hyperthermia--in connection with irrigation via sigmoidostomy]

A case of thermal injury following the introduction of excessively hot tap water into the colon during irrigation of a sigmoid colostomy is described. The radiological proof of a subsequently developed colon stricture made it necessary to remove the injured part and reconstruct the colostomy. Only two other cases of this kind have been reported in English literature. The case emphasizes that care must be taken in selecting the right temperature of the water for irrigation.