“Subtotal colectomy and ileostomy with preservation of the rectal stump is established as the preferred operation for acute severe colitis which fails to respond to medical therapy. The surgical management of the rectal stump, however, remains controversial. The options include creation of a low sigmoid mucous fistula, closure of the rectosigmoid but leaving the closed stump in the subcutaneous plane at the lower end of a midline wound, or closure of the rectal stump at the level of the sacral promontory (leaving the rectal suture ⁄ staple-line in the peritoneal cavity).”




