We discuss the closure of a temporary end ileostomy via an extraperitoneal approach in two patients who had had previous surgery due to peritonitis. They suffered from severe intestinal adhesions which made intraabdominal enterolysis a difficult prospect. An extraperitoneal end to side anastomosis of the ilium and ascending colon was performed a few months after the initial operation. This method not only shortened operating time, but also avoided the possibility of iatrogenic intestinal perforation. Frequently ocurring post-operative complications such as infection, obstruction and fistula were not found in the six and seven month follow up periods, respectively.