Subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia
Fan, C.W.; Wang, J.Y.
International Surgery 85(4): 309-312
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-8868 PMID: 11589597 Document Number: 516807
The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia (idiopathic slow transit constipation) that was resistant to laxative treatment. Twenty-four patients, 19 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 37 years, underwent subtotal colectomy with ileorectal or ascendo-rectal anastomosis. All patients were available for follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 23 months. Bowel frequency was significantly increased from 1.4+/-0.9 times per week to 22.8+/-9 times per week (average 3.2/day) after surgery (P <0.0001). The incidence of abdominal pain was decreased from 75% to 17%, as well as the severity (P <0.0001). Two patients who underwent ascendo-rectal anastomosis developed recurrent constipation. Two patients used antidiarrheal medication regularly. There was no major postoperative morbidity. Five patients were re-admitted due to small bowel obstruction; four received successful conservative management, and one required enterolysis. 'Excellent' or 'good' outcomes were reported by 21 patients (87.5%). Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis produces satisfactory results in the majority of patients with proven colonic inertia.