Colostomy in the trauma patient: Experience in 55 cases

Summary Fifty-five consecutive patients undergoing colostomy for colonic trauma are reviewed. A complication rate of 18 per cent is reported, with a higher rate of patients with stomal management problems. A new colostomy classification, which simplifies nomenclature and is particularly applicable to the training institution and the military, is recommended. As a result of findings in this series of patients, the divided-loop colostomy which is sutured to the abdominal wall and skin and well separated from the primary incision and drain sites is recommended for the trauma patient.