[Ileostomy after total colectomy].

Ileostomy is a safe operative procedure following total colectomy, when the small intestine remains intact. Most problems are essentially psychological, occasional dietetic considerations apart. In contrast, the effects are totally different once resection, even minimal, of the small intestine has been performed. In this case continuous enteral feeding of variable duration is essential. Oral feeding within very strict dietetic constraints may be resumed upon adaptation of the small intestine. Intensive surveillance remains necessary in the long term.