Exteriorisation resection of the colon.

The early results of 34 exteriorisation resections of the colon are presented, 25 being emergency procedures and 9 elective. The operative mortality in the emergency group was 20% and there were no deaths in the elective group. All patients who survived the postoperative period have had their colostomies closed. The operation was technically simple and quick to perform. It is one of the safest methods of resecting colon. The technique proved to be a useful alternative to standard techniques in colonic perforation, colonic obstruction with proximal faecal retention, nonviable sigmoid volvulus, diverticular disease requiring resection, and colovesical and colouterine fistula.