Technical aids in surgery. Completely defunctioning loop colostomy.

To avoid a double-barrel colostomy with its associated problems, a simple loop colostomy can be converted into a completely defunctioning colostomy by ligation of the distal limb with nylon. The technique ensures complete diversion of the faecal stream, and is simple, effective and reduces operating time. An added advantage is the ease with which it can be closed. It is believed that this offers a simple, but useful and important, alternative to the double-barrel colostomy at present in use.