A technique is described where the distal limb of a loop colostomy is tied with nylon or polydioxanone. This ensures total faecal diversion and dispenses with the supporting rod, enabling early application of stoma appliances. The technique does not interfere with the traditional transverse closure of a loop colostomy.

What is a diverting colostomy?

Some bowel diversion surgeries—those called ostomy surgery—divert the bowel to an opening in the abdomen where a stoma is created. A surgeon forms a stoma by roll ing the bowel's end back on itself, like a shirt cuff, and stitching it to the abdominal wall.

What is the purpose of a loop colostomy?

The main indications for loop colostomies are as follows: To relieve distal obstruction (mainly as a palliative procedure)—for example, in the case of obstructing rectal cancer. To divert fecal load from a newly performed distal anastomosis.