Acute obstruction of the left colon: With special reference to the use of a left transverse colostomy

1. 1. The seriousness of obstruction of the left colon has been discussed. 2. 2. Left transverse colostomy is advantageous in treating the majority of patients with complete obstruction of the left colon. 3. 3. The colostomy can be resected with the primary tumor and thus allows primary restoration of bowel continuity without the need for a third surgical procedure. 4. 4. The relative proximity of this colostomy to the obstructing lesion allows complete and early decompression. 5. 5. It greatly facilitates the care of the acute and subacute obstruction, and with the knowledge that such a colostomy can be resected at the time of definitive surgery, there need be less tendency on the part of the surgeons to defer its use. 6. 6. Formation of a colostomy in the distal transverse colon does not commit the surgeon to resection, since it functions very well either as a permanent or temporary colostomy. 7. 7. Left transverse colostomy, which can be removed with the primary obstructing tumor at the time of resection, can be combined very reasonably with hemicolectomy for carcinoma of the left colon.