[Laparoscopic colostomy--experiences with inoperable ovarian and rectum carcinomas and rectovaginal fistulas]

Between August 1995 and July 1997 laparoscopic colostomy was successfully carried out in 10 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, inoperable carcinoma of the rectum or rectovaginal fistulae. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and postoperative recovery was rapid with all patients having function of the colostomy within 24 h and regaining their preoperative state of mobility on the second postoperative day. The laparoscopic approach allows the careful selection of the colostomy site, easy mobilisation of the colon causing only little disruption to the intestinal function and hence, improving postoperative recovery. From our experience, laparoscopic colostomy is a simple and safe operation in most cases and can be used as the preferred technique of intestinal diversion. The technical features of laparoscopic colostomy are described.