Loop colostomy closure.

The records of 74 patients who had loop colostomies closed at Addenbrooke's Hospital between 1970 and 1975 were studied retrospectively. One death from a pulmonary embolus occurred and the incidence of fistula from the site of closure was found to be 5.4 per cent. A number of differing factors were assessed. Closure 6 weeks after the colostomy's formation and preoperative antibiotic (antimicrobial) bowel preparation appeared to be factors associated with a favourable outcome. On the other hand, an initial operation for carcinoma and closure less than 6 weeks after the colostomy's formation were factors related to a less favourable outcome.