Merits and faults of transanal ileus tube for obstructing colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: We report eight cases of obstructing colorectal cancer successfully managed by preoperative lavage using transanal ileus tube. METHODS: Decompression tube was transanally inserted into the colon proximal to the tumour under the guidance of the guide wire. Intestinal lavage with 1,500-2,000 mL of warm water was done every day until surgery. RESULTS: There were six men and two women; the mean age was 67 years (range, 50-82 years). Three cancers were in the sigmoid colon and five were in the rectum. Seven patients were treated with a one-stage operation with adequate lymph node dissection. In one patient, only sigmoidostomy was carried out for unresectable huge tumour. In all cases, no dilatation was observed at the proximal colon and no anastomotic failure developed. Four patients suffered from fever of unknown cause after the insertion of the tube. In one patient, the resected specimen showed ulcer by tube compression. In the other patient, the tube penetrated the intestinal wall, which was covered by mesentery. CONCLUSION: The transanal ileus tube is effective for the treatment of obstructing colorectal cancer. However, close observation is necessary because of possible perforation.