Long-term response to subtotal colectomy in colonic inertia

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of patients who had previously undergone subtotal colectomy for severe idiopathic constipation at the University of Florida between 1983 and 1987. In addition, we aimed to determine whether preoperative motility abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract are more common among those patients who have significant postoperative complications after subtotal colectomy. We valuated 13 patients who underwent subtotal colectomy for refractory constipation between 1983 and 1987 at the University of Florida. Preoperatively, all patients exhibited a pattern consistent with colonic inertia as demonstrated by means of radiopaque markers. Each patient was asked to quantitate the pain intensity and frequency of their bowel movements before and after surgery. In seven patients an ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed, whereas in six patients an ileorectal anastomosis was used. Abdominal pain decreased after subtotal colectomy. Patients with abnormal upper gastrointestinal motility preoperatively experienced greater postoperative pain than those with normal motility regardless of the type of anastomosis. In addition, the number of postoperative surgeries was similar in those patients with abnormal upper motility compared to those with normal motility. Overall, the total number of bowel movements per week increased from 0.5 ± 0.03 preoperatively to 15 ± 4.5 (P < 0.007) postoperatively. The results of our study suggest that patients with isolated colonic inertia have a better long-term outcome from subtotal colectomy than patients with additional upper gastrointestinal motility abnormalities associated with their colonic inertia.     

Are complications of subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis related to the original disease?

The aim of this study was to compare the morbidity of subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis performed for colonic inertia, Crohn's disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, and colorectal neoplasia. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent elective colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis between June 1988 and November 1996 was performed. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I, colonic inertia; Group II, Crohn's disease; and Group III, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or other neoplasia. Outcome factors studied included the frequency of bowel movements, the incidence of small bowel obstruction, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Other factors assessed included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospitalization, level of ileorectal anastomosis, time of first bowel movement, and whether the operation was undertaken in one or two stages. Statistical analysis was undertaken by using the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U exact test. All 48 patients in Group I were operated on in one stage. In Group II (30 patients) 15 patients were operated on in one stage, eight patients had a preliminary Hartmann's operation and then ileorectal anastomosis, and seven patients underwent subtotal colectomy with both an ileorectal anastomosis and a proximal loop ileostomy. In Group III (22 patients) 20 patients underwent a one-stage operation whereas two patients underwent a subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and proximal loop ileostomy. The median ages were 47.0 years in Group I, 43.8 in Group II, and 53.3 in Group III. Small bowel obstruction occurred in five patients (10%) in Group I, four patients (13.3%) in Group II, and four patients (18%) in Group III. The anastomotic leak rate was 4.2% (two patients) in Group I, 1% (three patients) in Group II, and 0% in Group III (P < 0.05). At the follow up interview after surgery, the mean number of bowel movements per day 6 months after surgery was 5.4 in Group I, 7.2 in Group II, and 5.6 in Group III, (P < 0.05, Group II vs Group I or Group III). Operative time in Group III was significantly longer than in the other two groups (P = 0.004). No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups relative to blood loss, hospitalization, or timing of first bowel movement. This study failed to identify any differences in either immediate perioperative outcome or morbidity or intermediate-term function in patients undergoing ileorectal anastomosis regardless of diagnosis. The overall rate of small bowel obstruction was 13 per cent with no significant differences among the three groups. Lastly although the anastomotic leak rate was not significantly higher in patients with Crohn's disease it was higher in the group with ileostomy and ileorectal anastomosis, which highlights a potential advantage of performance of this procedure in two stages in selected patients of this patient population.     

外科治疗顽固性慢传输性便秘的疗效评价

目的:研究顽固性慢传输性便秘（STC）外科治疗方法与结果。方法:回顾分析我院近几年来治疗STC 24例患者的临床资料。结果:18例患者接受全结肠切除术治疗，6例接受结肠次全切除术，其中14例合并有出口梗阻性便秘（OOC）的患者，术前都给予相关手术矫治，手术治愈率95.8％，术后大便次数平均为（3±1.9）次/d。腹胀由术前的75.0％降为12.5％。1例术后便秘症状复发。结论:结肠切除术是治疗STC的理想手术方式，为保证手术取得良好效果，对合并有OOC的患者术前应行积极矫治处理。     

Surgical therapy of chronic constipation

Results of the surgical treatment for conservative intractable constipation in 70 adult patients are reviewed. 49 patients with severe symptoms have been treated by partial colectomy as sigmoid colectomy (n = 23) or left hemicolectomy (n = 26). 33 patients underwent colectomy with cecorectal anastomosis (n = 25) or ileorectal anastomosis (n = 8). Out of these patients with colectomy seven had undergone previous segmental colonic resection or internal sphincterotomy. Of those patients with cecorectal anastomosis who were dissatisfied, three underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Overall, a mortality rate of 3.3% and morbidity rate of 22.5 resp. 54.5% for partial and total colectomy were observed. The most frequent occurring complication after colectomy was small bowel obstruction in 30% requiring laparotomy in 40%. Of 45 patients who underwent partial colectomy, 34 (75%) had normal bowel function or were markedly improved. In 28 of 32 patients (87.5%) treated by colectomy a successful result has been achieved. The operation of sigmoid colectomy or left hemicolectomy may be recommended as a treatment for constipation only in patients with less severe symptoms or patients with recurrent sigmoid volvulus. For those patients with severe constipation, at present, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis seems to be the surgical procedure that offers the greatest probability of improvement. However, the significant morbidity claimed the need for a careful patient selection.     

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia

Colonic inertia is an uncommon condition, usually occurring in women in the third decade of life. Severity of symptoms may lead some patients to a surgical consultation. This is a retrospective review of 14 patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia, performed by a single surgeon from August 1993 to November 2002. The mean age of the patients was 38.5 years (range 26-50 years); 93% of the patients were women. The common presenting symptoms included abdominal pain (93%), bloating (100%), constipation (100%), and nausea (57%). Median duration of symptoms before surgery was 4.5 years (range 1-30 years). Subtotal colectomy was completed laparoscopically in 13 patients. There was one conversion (7%) because of adhesions. Eleven patients (78.6%) had undergone previous abdominal surgery. The mean operating room time was 153 minutes (range 113-210 minutes). The median time to full bowel action was 2 days. One patient developed postoperative small bowel obstruction that required open exploration. Complete follow-up was available for 11 patients at a median follow-up of 18 months (range 2-96 months). Ninety-one percent of the patients reported excellent satisfaction with surgery, and their bowel movement frequency changed from 1.2 (+/-0.2) per week preoperatives to 17.2 (+/-2.9) per week postoperatively (P < 0.001). Three patients (27%) continued to report abdominal pain and 3 patients (27%) continued to require laxatives postoperatively. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy provides excellent symptom relief in patients with colonic inertia who do not respond to medical measures.     

SURGERY FOR SEVERE CONSTIPATION: THE USE OF RADIOISOTOPE TRANSIT SCAN AND BARIUM EVACUATION PROCTOGRAPHY IN PATIENT SELECTION

Nineteen women aged 19–64 years (median 38) with intractable constipation were assessed by Indium-111 DTPA colonic transit scan and barium evacuation proctogram. Patients were classified as having an isolated (I) or predominant disorder of colonic transit (II). a mixed disorder of colonic transit and rectal evacuation (III), a predominant disorder of rectal evacuation (IV) or normal colorectal emptying (V). Twelve patients fell into categories I and II and were considered suitable for surgery. Three responded to further vigorous aperient therapy and nine (32–55 years, median 38) underwent subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis at the level of the sacral promontory. Two patients required re-operation for suspected anastomotic leak. One patient required readmission on two occasions for small bowel obstruction. Follow up has been 2–21 months (median 16). Eight of the nine patients no longer take oral aperients. Eight patients have a satisfactory stool frequency of 2–8 per 24 h; the other patient has an ileostomy and incapacitating postprandial abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is troublesome in two other patients. Two patients require antidiarrhoeal therapy but none experience faecal incontinence. In severely constipated patients with a proven disorder of colonic transit but normal or near normal rectal evacuation subtotal colectomy provides excellent symptomatic relief.     

Laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy for slow-transit constipation

Background: When medical therapy fails, slow-transit constipation (STC), a condition seen almost exclusively in women, can be treated surgically. The aim of this study was to describe our results with laparoscopically assisted subtotal colectomy (LASC) for STC. Methods: Over a 22-month period, four female patients underwent LASC with ileorectal anastomosis for STC at our hospital. The preoperative workup included clinical assessment, evacuation proctography, rectoanal manometry, and colonic transit measurement. Mobilization of the whole colon and ligation and division of colonic mesenteric vessels with preservation of the omentum were achieved laparoscopically. Through a small Pfannenstiel incision, the colon was removed from the abdomen, leaving a 15-cm rectal stump in situ. The rectal stump was fully mobilized posteriorly, a side-to-end ileorectal anastomosis was fashioned, and the rectal stump was fixed onto the presacral fascia with sutures. Results: The operating time ranged from 150 to 260 min and blood loss was minimal. There were no conversions to open surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients but one, a 47-year old woman who had transient severe abdominal distension, pain, and frequent small-volume bowel movements. All patients were discharged by the 4th to 10th postoperative day. At 9-month follow-up, all of our patients had normal anorectal function with two to four solid bowel movements per day. Conclusion: Although it is a technically demanding procedure, laparoscopically assisted colectomy for slow-transit constipation, can be achieved safely.     

Successful surgical treatment of idiopathic colonic dysmotility. The role of preoperative evaluation of coloanal motor function

Identification of patients with severe idiopathic colonic dysmotility who would benefit from surgery can be difficult. Colonic transit studies and anorectal manometry were applied to 12 women with severe constipation before subtotal colectomy. Delayed transit was noted in all patients with most exhibiting left-sided colonic arrest. Mean anal resting pressure and rectal capacity were similar to that in healthy controls. Pathologic examination results revealed decreased argyrophilic neurons in the colonic myenteric plexus. At 24 months postoperatively, all patients were satisfied with their results and mean (+/- SEM) weekly bowel movement frequency was 17 +/- 3 (compared with 0.8 +/- 0.2 preoperatively). Preoperative coloanal function studies therefore aid in the selection of patients who will be successfully treated by surgery. Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the preferred operation because dysmotility can originate from either side of the colon.     

结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术与结肠全切除、回肠直肠吻合术治疗慢传输型便秘的对比研究

目的 比较结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术和结肠全切除、回肠直肠吻合术治疗重度慢传输型便秘的疗效.方法 回顾性分析1999年1月至2008年6月52例慢传输型便秘患者的临床资料.其中32例行结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术,20例接受结肠全切除、回肠直肠吻合术.统计分析两组临床疗效并进行平行对比.结果 术后患者随访1～7年(中位时间4年).两组患者一般资料具有可比性.中位随访4年,结肠次全切除组每日大便次数显著低于结肠全切除组(2.5±0.8比3.4±0.8;P=0.000).Wexner肛门失禁评分结肠全切除组高于结肠次全切除组(5.8±1.9比4.4±1.6;P=0.011).胃肠生活质量评分结肠次全切除组显著高于结肠全切除组(120.7±7.5比111.1±12.0;P=0.005).结论 与结肠全切除术相比,对于慢传输便秘患者,行结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲肠直肠吻合术后可获得更好的疗效和生活质量.     

Surgical management for slow-transit constipation

Less than 10% of patients with slow-transit constipation require surgical management after failure of medical treatment. Preoperative clinical, psychological and colorectal routine investigations (ie colonic transit test, anorectal manometry and defecography) are mandatory in order to highly select the patients. To day, the surgical management of slow-transit constipation consists of subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, eventually by laparoscopic approach. Although, surgical management improves slow-transit constipation in two thirds of the patients, small bowel obstruction, abdominal pain and constipation recurrence can occur in 25%, 50%, and 10% of the patients respectively.     

Colonic pseudo-obstruction with distinct transitional zone in adult constipation patients: pathological analysis and results of surgical treatment

There are subsets of chronic constipation patients showing features of colonic pseudo-obstruction (CPO) with distinct transitional zone (TZ). We intended to analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of these patients. Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent surgery for constipation over the 9-year period were analyzed. TZ (+) group was defined as patients showing symptoms or signs of large bowel obstruction with dilated proximal and collapsed distal colon around the TZ at the time of operation, but without any evidence of mechanical causes of obstruction. Nineteen (76%) patients had features of CPO with TZ. All TZs were located in the left colon. Pathologically, segmental hypoganglionosis was identified at the TZ in all TZ (+) patients. On the other hand, pathologic diagnosis was intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B in the remaining six (24%) patients having a uniform colon diameter without demonstrable dilatations (TZ (-) group). Among TZ (+) patients, 17 (90%) underwent total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and two (10%) underwent enterostomy. Long-term follow-up (median 56 months) showed no recurrence of constipation in this group of patients. All six TZ (-) patients underwent total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and two (33%) of them had persistent symptoms of constipation on long-term follow-up (median 60 months). In a subset of adult constipation patients presenting with features of CPO with TZ, segmental hypoganglionosis was the final pathologic diagnosis. Constipation patients with features of CPO with distinct TZ in the left colon are expected to benefit from surgical intervention.     

Operative management of severe constipation

This report investigates the concept that severe constipation requiring major abdominal surgery may result from one of three common causes: 1) colonic inertia, 2) pelvic hiatal hernia, or 3) both colonic inertia and pelvic hernia. This study evaluates the symptoms, anatomy and outcome in 201 patients with severe surgical constipation treated by a single surgeon. In 2042 patients with constipation referred to one colon and rectal surgeon, 211 major abdominal surgical procedures were performed on 201 patients for severe constipation between 1989 and 1999. There were 187 women and 14 men. Mean age was 49 years (range, 9-84). Five high-risk patients had ileostomy; 196 had major colonic surgery for anatomic or physiologic causes of constipation, excluding malignancy, diverticular disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Pelvic hiatal hernia was defined as the herniation of bowel through the hiatus of the pelvic diaphragm seen on pelvic videofluoroscopy or physical examination. Of these 196 patients, 44 per cent had pelvic hiatal hernia repair (PHHR), 27 per cent had total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for colonic inertia, and 29 per cent had surgery for both colonic inertia and pelvic hiatal hernia. Of the 144 patients undergoing PHHR, 95 had Gore-Tex patch (W. L. Gore and Associates, Inc., Phoenix, AZ) sacral colpopexy. PHHR for pelvic hiatal hernia without colonic inertia included sigmoid resection, rectopexy, and Gore-Tex patch sacral colpopexy. Mean duration of follow-up was 20 months. Symptoms noted preoperatively included abdominal pain (84%), straining at stool (90%), incomplete rectal emptying (85%), painful bowel movements (74%), pelvic pain (69%), vaginal bulge (55%), digital assistance with evacuation (35%), and incontinence of stool (38%). Outcome assessed by symptom relief was successful in 89.1 per cent of patients. 8.6 per cent of patient conditions were unchanged, and 2.3 per cent were unsatisfied with the outcome. There were no postoperative deaths. The complication rate was 6.1 per cent (small bowel obstruction, 7; anastomotic leak, 2; ureteral stenosis, 2; and patch erosion, 1). In our experience, severe surgical constipation can be due to colonic inertia, pelvic hiatal hernia, or both. Careful preoperative evaluation identifies these disorders, and surgical therapy aimed at correction of anatomic and physiologic defects results in high patient satisfaction and improvement in bowel function.     

外科手术对顽固性便秘并继发性巨结肠的疗效研究

目的：探讨不同手术方式治疗顽固性便秘并继发性巨结肠的疗效。方法回顾性分析2007年6月至2013年1月在南京军区南京总医院全军普通外科研究所接受手术治疗的112例顽固性便秘并发继发性巨结肠患者的临床资料,全组患者便秘病程4～22年,其中74例既往接受过腹部中等以上手术。手术方式：（1）金陵术（结肠次全切除加升结肠-直肠后壁侧侧吻合术）81例,其中24例接受腹腔镜辅助金陵术,18例加末端回肠保护性造口术;（2）结肠全切除加末端回肠与直肠后壁侧侧吻合术18例;（3）结肠全切除加末端回肠临时造口术13例（6个月后行末端回肠与直肠后壁侧侧吻合术）。末端回肠保护性造口在术后6个月予以还纳。结果112例患者手术成功率100％,无手术相关死亡病例。术后出现的并发症包括术后早期腹泻90例（80．4％）、肛门疼痛和排粪不尽22例（19．6％）、尿潴留（去除导尿管后24～48 h内出现）16例（14．2％）、吻合口出血9例（8．0％）、吻合口瘘6例（5．4％）以及肠梗阻15例（13．4％）,除6例肠梗阻患者接受肠粘连松解术后症状缓解外,其余并发症均通过保守治疗恢复良好。术后随访6月,不同术式患者Wexner便秘平均评分为5．8～8．3,与术前21．4～28．7比较,明显改善（P＜0．01）。结论顽固性便秘并继发性巨结肠外科手术治疗效果良好。     

慢传输型便秘合并盆底疝和直肠黏膜内脱垂手术治疗的远期疗效

目的 评估结肠次全切除升结肠直肠吻合、盆底疝修补、功能性直肠悬吊、子宫悬吊术治疗慢传输型便秘合并盆底疝和直肠黏膜内脱垂的远期疗效.方法 对2007年6月至2008年5月35例结肠慢传输合并盆底疝、直肠黏膜内脱垂所致顽固性便秘患者行结肠次全切除升结肠直肠吻合、盆底疝修补、功能性直肠悬吊、子宫悬吊术.术后随访患者的排便情况、并发症、生活质量及满意度.结果 平均随访期2年.35例患者术后无严重并发症及死亡.术后1个月每天平均排便5(2～8)次,为半固体状大便.术后2年平均每天排便2(1～3)次,为固体状大便.随访期间35例患者控便能力良好,无大便失禁发生.35例中对手术效果满意者19例,非常满意者16例.35例患者生活质量均得到明显改善,其中术后需间断性使用泻药者3例.结论 结肠次全切除升结肠直肠吻合、盆底疝修补、功能性直肠悬吊、子宫悬吊术是慢传输型便秘合并盆底疝、直肠黏膜内脱垂的有效治疗方法,远期效果满意.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the long-term therapeutic efficacy of subtotal colectomy,ascending colon-rectum anastomosis, pelvic floor hernia repair, functional rectal suspension, and uterine suspension surgery for slow transit constipation with pelvic floor hernia and rectal mucosal prolapse.Methods From June 2007 to May 2008, 35 patients with intractable constipation caused by slow colonic transit combined with pelvic floor hernia and rectal mucosal prolapse underwent subtotal colectomy and ascending colon-rectum anastomosis, pelvic floor hernia repair, functional rectal suspension, and uterine suspension surgery. Postoperative defecation, complications, quality of life, and degree of satisfaction were followed-up. Results The average follow-up period was two years. At one month after the operation, the average defecation frequency was five times (2 -8 times) a day, with a semi-liquid stool consistency; After two years the frequency was twice ( 1 -3 times) a day, with solid stool consistency. Of the 35 patients, 19 were satisfied with the surgical efficacy, and 16 were very satisfied. All the patients' quality of life improved significantly. Conclusions For patients suffering from slow transit constipation with pelvic floor hernia and rectal mucosal prolapse subtotal colectomy, ascending colon-rectum anastomosis, pelvic floor hernia repair,functional rectal suspension, and uterine suspension surgery has satisfactory results.     

Polipoza adenomatoasă familială--care operaţie? [Familial adenomatous polyposis--which operation?

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndromes are well recognized entities that benefit from surgical treatment which should not be delayed. Screening of first degree relatives is important. The aim of removing the colorectal mucosa with significant potential of malignant transformation can be achieved by means of three distinct procedures: panproctocolectomy and ileostomy, subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis. In a series of eight patients with FAP we performed mostly subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. Of five patients who underwent a form of subtotal colonic resection, one was lost from follow up and two developed carcinoma in the remaining rectal mucosa, which necessitated completion of the resection with proctectomy and permanent ileostomy. Nevertheless, in the increasing number of patients amenable to regular outpatient supervision, there are strong points for recommending sphincter-saving operations.     

结肠次全切除逆蠕动盲直吻合术和结肠全切除回直吻合术治疗慢传输型便秘的疗效比较

目的比较结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲直吻合术和结肠全切除回直吻合术治疗重度顽固性慢传输型便秘的疗效,方法分析1999年至2005年间收治的37例单纯慢传输型便秘患者患者4年的随访资料,比较结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲直吻合术（结肠次全切除组,17例）和结肠全切除、回直吻合术（结肠全切除组,20例）后的排便功能。结果两组患者术前一般资料差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结肠次全切除组每天大便（2．4±0．9）次,显著低于结肠全切除组的每天大便（3．4±0．8）次（P=0．0014）。Wexner肛门失禁评分,结肠全切除组（4．3±1．8）高于结肠次全切除组（5．8±1．9）（P=0．0223）。结肠次全切除组患者术后钡灌肠结果显示盲肠及残余升结肠呈“储袋征”。结论与结肠全切除术相比,结肠次全切除、逆蠕动盲直吻合术可能是部分慢传输便秘患者更好的手术选择。     

Familial adenomatous polyposis--which operation?

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndromes are well recognized entities that benefit from surgical treatment which should not be delayed. Screening of first degree relatives is important. The aim of removing the colorectal mucosa with significant potential of malignant transformation can be achieved by means of three distinct procedures: pan-proctocolectomy and ileostomy, subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis. In a series of eight patients with FAP we performed mostly subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. Of five patients who underwent a form of subtotal colonic resection, one was lost from follow up and two developed carcinoma in the remaining rectal mucosa, which necessitated completion of the resection with proctectomy and permanent ileostomy. Nevertheless, in the increasing number of patients amenable to regular outpatient supervision, there are strong points for recommending sphincter-saving operations.     

Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for acute or severe colitis complicating inflammatory bowel disease: a case-matched study in 88 patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the morbidity of laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) with or without anastomosis in patients with acute or severe colitis (SAC) complicating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who failed medical treatment. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing laparoscopic STC for SAC complicating IBD were identified and well-matched for age, gender, ASA score, and IBD severity at the time of colectomy (acute colitis vs steroid dependence only) with 48 patients undergoing open STC. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Mean (+/-SD) operative time was similar after laparoscopic and open STC (253 +/- 56 vs 231 +/- 75 min; NS). Two patients (5%) required conversion into laparotomy due to intensive adhesions (n = 1) and colonic fistula (n = 1). Overall morbidity and hospital stay was similar after laparoscopic STC and open STC (35% vs 56%) (9 +/- 3 vs 12 +/- 7 days) (P > .1) respectfully. After laparoscopic STC, 84% of the patients underwent restorative intestinal continuity (with either ileorectal or ileoanal anastomosis) through reoperative laparoscopy (n = 15) or elective incision at the site of previous stoma (n = 16). CONCLUSIONS: This case-matched study suggests that laparoscopic STC was as safe and effective as open STC for IBD patients with SAC. A laparoscopic STC allows restoration of intestinal continuity restoration (ie, ileal pouch anal or ileorectal anastomosis) through a laparoscopic approach or elective incision for the majority of the patients. For these reasons, laparoscopic approach represents the best approach for colitis-complicating IBD.     

Emergency subtotal colectomy. A new trend for treatment of obstructing carcinoma of the left colon.

During a 5-year period, 22 patients with obstructing carcinoma of the left colon were operated on in our department. All patients underwent emergency subtotal colectomy with primary ileocolonic or ileorectal anastomosis. The quality of life for patients undergoing subtotal colectomy is excellent. All patients enjoy an almost normal diet and those with an ileorectal anastomosis stabilize on two to three bowel movements per day. During a followup period of 65 months, four patients died from spread of their primary disease while two other patients died of unrelated causes. Sixteen patients are alive and free of disease. We consider subtotal colectomy the procedure of choice for patients with obstructing carcinoma of the left colon.     

Colectomy for slow transit constipation.

A series of 21 patients (18 female) whose intractable constipation was treated by colectomy between 1976 and 1985 is reported. There was no mortality attributable to surgery in this series. Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was the preferred operation, but it produced a satisfactory result in only 12 patients. Five patients were treated by a permanent ileostomy, as the primary procedure in two. Megarectum did not automatically preclude a good result from ileorectal anastomosis, but a poor result was associated with failure of either a rectal stump to conduct colonic movements or of the anal sphincter to relax. Long term follow-up is necessary for assessment of results since late relapse can occur.