The jejunostomy route for the intraoperative insertion of a Baker tube carries significant and probably excessive risks. 2. Such risks can be greatly reduced by introducing the Baker tube through a cecostomy or a gastrostomy. When possible, introduction through an ileal stoma or through the rectum when an ileoproctostomy has been performed, is probably even better. 3. For most patients, the cecostomy approach, if performed with great care, will prove to be safe, convenient, and effective.