title: Hidden colostomy.
abstract: For the patient with an unresectable carcinoma of the rectum, establishment of a "hidden" colostomy rather than formal colostomy, provides a better interim quality of life. When necessary, the "hidden" colostomy can readily be converted to a formal colostomy without the need for a laparotomy or general anesthetic. We conclude that surgeons should remember this technique when the appropriate situation occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kyzer
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Gordon
mesh_terms: D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation