Summary and ConclusionsThe cases of a series of patients who underwent elective resection of the left colon and rectosigmoid in a 31‐year period are reviewed. Results in those in whom subhepatic transverse colostomies were established are compared with results in those not so treated. The authors believe that diverting colostomies are effected much too often. They are needed, however, for treatment of complete colonic obstruction and when inflammatory processes are so severe that they are life‐threatening.