Colostomy closure after colon injury: a low-morbidity procedure

One justification for expanding the indications for primary repair of colonic injuries is the high morbidity classically associated with colostomy closure. Our impression that this morbidity is overstated prompted us to review our experience with closure of colostomies constructed for treatment of colon trauma for the 5-year period 1979-1984. During this period 75 colostomies created for treatment of colorectal injuries were closed. Complications were frequent after colostomy creation, but few could be attributed to the colostomy. Following colostomy closure, however, complications were infrequent (5%) and generally minor. If morbidity of colostomy closure is cited as a factor justifying expanded indications for primary repair of colon injuries, current morbidity rates should be borne in mind.