Colorectal surgery typically includes the procedure of colorectal anastomosis — a diseased segment of the colon or rectum is removed and the two healthy segments are reconnected. Leakage of colon content from the anastomotic site into the abdominal cavity is a dangerous complication, increasing hospitalization time, re-operation and even mortality. To prevent leakage, surgeons often use an external bypass, also called a diverting stoma. This connects a loop of bowel to a pouch on the patient’s abdomen, which collects the patient’s feces. The temporary stoma is removed in a second surgical procedure, after 3-6 months and completion of anastomotic healing. This is currently considered the standard treatment for almost 70% of rectal and high-risk colon procedures. New approaches are needed to satisfy the needs for a short- term temporary bypass.