Abstract In this review of 179 patients in whom colostomy closure was performed the mortality from the operation was 2·2 per cent and the morbidity from faecal fistula was 23 per cent. This operation, there fore, should not be regarded as a minor procedure. Complications in patients with diverticular disease following colostomy closure are lowest when the operation is carried out 3 months or more after resection. After resection of a carcinoma, complications are lowest if the colostomy closure is carried out after 2 months.