Closure of colostomy in infants and children

A retrospective survey of 100 consecutive colostomy closures in infants and children is presented: the operative technique consisted of bowel resection and anastomosis, usually as a single layer, with intraperitoneal closure. Faecal fistula occurred in 5 cases and there were other major complications in 8 instances. Wound infection occurred in 43 patients. The subsequent use of a more aggressive bowel preparation reduced the incidence of this complication.