[Restoration of the continuity of the colon with preservation of an existing colostomy].

A new technique for the restoration of the continuity of the colon with preservation of an existing colostomy is described here. A 75-year-old male with a three-year history of abdominal-perineal resection and a well functioning end colostomy was admitted to our department for a second primary cancer of the descending colon. At operation the colon was divided close to the abdominal wall; the colostomy was left in situ while the descending colon and mesocolon were radically resected.