PURPOSE:The purpose of this manuscript is to present a method of temporary fecal diversion.METHODS:A tube was sutured into the anorectum of eight patients with large infected and/or necrotic perianal lesions that were being soiled and infected by the fecal stream. Five patients were diabetic, two had sacral pressure sores, and one suffered from hidradenitis suppurativa.RESULTS:Tubes remained in place from 10 to 14 days, during which time the infective condition was brought under control. There were no complications.CONCLUSIONS:The difficulties and disadvantages of current medical and surgical methods of controlling the fecal stream under these conditions are discussed, and the method presented is suggested as a viable and simple alternative.