title: Colonoscopy-assisted colostomy--an alternative to laparotomy: report of two cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing fecal diversion with the help of a colonoscope without a concomitant laparotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Colostomies were performed on two patients who needed fecal diversion and who would benefit from avoiding the morbidity of laparotomy. A colonoscope was used in each case to guide the surgeon in selecting the appropriate bowel segment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No complications related to the colostomy were noted in either patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique of colonoscopy-assisted colostomy that we have described offers an acceptable method of creating a stoma without the need for laparotomy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43215, USA.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Parikh
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Aguilar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003113:Colonoscopy; D003125:Colostomy / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*