Factors influencing the complications of colostomy closure

This retrospective review of 206 colostomy closures performed by different methods and at various intervals from the time of creation of the stoma suggests that attention to meticulous surgical technic is the most important factor in limiting the morbidity and mortality of this commonly performed procedure. Considerations of the location and type of colostomy, timing, method of closure, and patient population seem to be less importnat than suggested in previous reports.