The risk of anastomotic failure in the unprepared colon is generally high. Therefore, Hartmann's operation is frequently employed in emergencies. We present an alternative technique, the exteriorized anastomosis described until now only for cases of perforation. Exteriorized anastomosis was performed in 14 patients. The preoperative diagnosis was occlusive neoplasm, perforated diverticulitis or traumatic performation of the sigmoid colon. Four patients subsequently developed partial anastomotic dehiscence, but without the consequences of intraperitoneal dehiscence. We think that exteriorized anastomosis is a useful alternative in high risk situations.