An improved technique for temporary diverting ileostomy

A modification of the Turnbull technique for a temporary diverting ileostomy, which may be also applied to diverting colostomies, is described herein. According to the technical modification described, a totally diverting ileostomy is performed with the help of a Foley catheter secured in the subcutaneous tissue, and pulled upward and to the right like a sling around the efferent loop. This simple modification allows for better protection of distal anastomosis and an optimal diversion of enteric transit. Furthermore, this technique also permits an easier postoperative handling of the stoma, an easier application of the stomal bags and at the same time, it also more efficiently prevents the eventual subcutaneous infiltration with enteric contaminated fluid. In the authors' preliminary experience with ten cases the procedure was shown to offer advantages in reducing local discomfort and also in achieving the objectives of a totally diverting ileostomy.