Operative management of anastomotic leak after sigmoid colectomy for left-sided diverticular disease: Ileostomy creation may be as safe as colostomy creation.

In patients who suffer anastomotic leaks after sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease and undergo reoperations, ileostomy at the time of reoperation appears to be safe, with comparable results to colostomy. Ileostomies were more frequently closed than colostomies. When faced with a colorectal anastomotic leak, ileostomy creation may be considered.