Caecal rupture due to colonic ileus

Correlation between a continent ileocecal valve and CT signs of severity in patients presenting with obstructive colonic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of a continent ileocecal valve and the degree of severity of the CT signs in patients presenting with large bowel obstruction due to colonic cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients undergoing emergency surgery for confirmed obstructive colonic cancer were included. The CT examinations were analyzed without consultation of the surgical results. For each patient, the diameter of the cecum at its widest point and that of the last ileal loop were measured. The ileocecal valve was considered incontinent when there was a distension of the last ileal loop greater than or equal to 25 mm. Below 25 mm, the ileocecal valve was considered continent. The presence of CT signs of severity of the LBO was noted, i.e., intestinal pneumatosis, absence of contrast enhancement of the large bowel wall, defect in the large bowel wall, and presence of extra-digestive air and ascites.

RESULTS

Among the 66 patients included, 42 had an incontinent ileocecal valve and 24 had a continental ileocecal valve. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the diametrical measurements of the cecum's widest point (mean diameter measured at 10.3 cm in patients with continent ileocecal valve vs 8.4 cm in patients with incontinent ileocecal valve, P = 0.0023). Patients with a continent valve had statistically higher rates of CT severity (79% vs 40%, P < 0.005). Perforation of the cecum remained rare (8%) and was only observed in patients with continent ileocecal valve in our series.

CONCLUSION

Continence of the ileocecal valve appears to be statistically correlated both with cecum distension and the presence of CT signs of severity in patients with obstructive colonic cancer. As such, its presence must be retained as a risk factor for a pejorative evolution of this type of LBO and must be specified in the CT report of these patients.

Reviewing the Management of Obstructive Left Colon Cancer: Assessing the Feasibility of the One-stage Resection and Anastomosis After Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation

BACKGROUND

The management of obstructive left colon cancer (OLCC) remains debatable with the single-stage procedure of primary colonic anastomosis after cancer resection and on-table intracolonic lavage now being supported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with acute OLCC who were admitted between January 2008 and January 2015 were distributed into 5 different groups. Group ICI underwent emergency laparotomy for primary anastomosis following colonic resection and intraoperative colonic lavage; Group HP underwent emergency Hartmann's Procedure; Group CON consisted of patients treated by conservative management with subsequent elective open cancer resection; Group COL were colostomy patients; and Group INT consisted of patients who had interventional radiology followed by open elective colon cancer resection. The demographics of the patients and comorbidity, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were collected, with P < .05 as significant.

RESULTS

There were 4 deaths in 138 cases (2.90%). There was only 1 patient who had anastomotic leakage (5.56%) in Group ICI, compared with none in Group HP and Group COL, 1 case in Group INT (7.69%), and 2 cases in Group CON (6.06%) (P > .05). Group INT and Group CON, when compared to the three surgical groups, Groups ICI, Group COL, and Group HP, individually, were statistically significant for the duration of surgery (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary anastomosis following colonic resection after irrigation can be safely performed in selected patients, with the necessary surgical expertise, with no increased risk in mortality, anastomotic leakage, and other postoperative complications.

Transverse colon perforation due to carcinoma rectum: an unusual presentation against Laplace's law

We present a case of distal large bowel obstruction, in the setting of a competent ileocaecal valve, the caecum is the most common site of perforation (for Laplace's law). We describe a case of obstruction at the rectum due to constricting carcinomatous growth, presenting with perforation of transverse colon (against Laplace's law). A 60-year-old women presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. The pain was preceded by 3 days of intestinal obstruction. Clinically there was guarding and rigidity. Straight X-ray of the abdomen revealed free gas under diaphragm. Surgical exploration revealed transverse colon perforation with carcinoma of rectum. Loop transverse colostomy was performed as the patient was very sick. The patient improved slowly in the intensive care unit. To conclude, even though the caecum is the most common site for perforation in case of distal obstruction, perforation of transverse colon can occur otherwise as a unique presentation.

Primary tubercular caecal perforation: a rare clinical entity

Background

Intestinal tuberculosis is a common problem in endemic areas, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. An isolated primary caecal perforation of tubercular origin is exceptionally uncommon.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 39 year old male who presented with features of perforation peritonitis, which on laparotomy revealed a caecal perforation with a dusky appendix. A standard right hemicolectomy with ileostomy and peritoneal toileting was done. Histopathology revealed multiple transmural caseating granulomas with Langerhans-type giant cells and acid-fast bacilli, consistent with tuberculosis, present only in the caecum.

Conclusions

We report this extremely rare presentation of primary caecal tuberculosis to sensitize the medical fraternity to its rare occurrence, which will be of paramount importance owing to the increasing incidence of tuberculosis all over the world, especially among the developing countries.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: rapid correction with neostigmine in the emergency department

Ogilvie's syndrome, now known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is characterized by massive dilatation of large bowel in the absence of mechanical obstruction. It is found in a variety of patients, although elderly and immobile patients make up a large portion of the afflicted population. This article discusses the case of a 64-year-old bedridden, paraplegic, male nursing home resident who presented to the Emergency Department with a chronic history of abdominal distention that acutely worsened on the day of his arrival. A diagnosis of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction was made and 2 mg of intravenous neostigmine was administered, with resolution of the patient's condition allowing for subsequent Emergency Department discharge. This report discusses the utilization of neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, for patients with colonic pseudo-obstruction. We also briefly review the literature on this condition and other therapeutic options.

LaPlace's law revisited: cecal perforation as an unusual presentation of pancreatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer is often locally and distally aggressive, but initial presentation as cecal perforation is uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a patient presenting with pneumoperitoneum, found at initial exploration to have a cecal perforation believed to be secondary to a large cecal adenoma, after palpation of the remainder of the colon revealed hard stool but no distal obstruction. Postoperatively, however, the patient progressed to large bowel obstruction and upon reexploration, a mass could now be delineated, encompassing the splenic flexure, splenic hilum, and distal pancreas. Histological evaluation determined this was locally invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and therefore the true etiology of the original cecal perforation.

CONCLUSION

Any perforation localized to the cecum must be highly suspicious for a distal obstruction, as dictated by the law of LaPlace.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction following major orthopaedic surgery

OBJECTIVE

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) has been linked with multiple aetiologies including orthopaedic surgery. However, the actual incidence and natural progression are not well described in these patients. We aim to assess the incidence of ACPO in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures, and to examine for potential exacerbating factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients from the orthopaedic directorate that had abdominal imaging in the five years from August 1998 to August 2003 were identified from radiology archives. A manual search of the patients' notes was conducted with data recorded on the patients' history, operative details and their postoperative course including their haematological and biochemical results. Details regarding their ACPO were documented with respect to the onset of symptoms, how the diagnosis was achieved, what treatment was instigated and how the condition progressed. A control group of age and sex matched patients was included for comparison.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients with ACPO were identified. The operations included 21 hip replacements, 10 knee replacements and 4 spinal operations. The incidence of ACPO was 1.3%, 0.65% and 1.19%, respectively. In comparison to control patients, patients with ACPO had a lower postoperative serum sodium (P = 0.001), a higher serum urea (P = 0.021) and remained in hospital longer (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ACPO is uncommon in orthopaedic patients, however, its occurrence results in prolonged hospital stay. Attention to patients' postoperative fluid balance and biochemical status may reduce the incidence.

Pseudo-obstruction in the critically ill

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by impairment of intestinal propulsion, which may resemble intestinal obstruction, in the absence of a mechanical cause. It may involve the small and/or the large bowel, and may present in acute, subacute or chronic forms. We have performed a systematic review of acute pseudo-obstruction, also referred to as Ogilvie's syndrome in the literature, and focused on proposed mechanisms, manifestations and management of post-surgery and critically ill patients who suffer from one or more underlying clinical conditions. The hallmark of the syndrome is massive intestinal distension, which is detected on clinical inspection and plain abdominal radiography. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, treatment focuses on preventing intestinal perforation, which is associated with an average 21% mortality rate.

Pseudo-obstruction in the critically ill

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by impairment of intestinal propulsion, which may resemble intestinal obstruction, in the absence of a mechanical cause. It may involve the small and/or the large bowel, and may present in acute, subacute or chronic forms. We have performed a systematic review of acute pseudo-obstruction, also referred to as Ogilvie's syndrome in the literature, and focused on proposed mechanisms, manifestations and management of post-surgery and critically ill patients who suffer from one or more underlying clinical conditions. The hallmark of the syndrome is massive intestinal distension, which is detected on clinical inspection and plain abdominal radiography. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, treatment focuses on preventing intestinal perforation, which is associated with an average 21% mortality rate.

Manejo clínico de la seudoobstrucción aguda de colon en el enfermo hospitalizado: revisión sistemática de la bibliografía

Intestinal pseudoobstruction is a clinical syndrome characterized by impairment of intestinal propulsion, which may resemble intestinal obstruction, in the absence of a mechanical cause. It usually affects the colon but the small intestine may also be involved, and may present in acute, subacute or chronic forms. We have performed a systematic review of the acute form of pseudoobstruction, also referred to as Ogilvie's syndrome. We discuss proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, manifestations and management of this clinical condition in post-surgery and critically ill patients. The hallmark of the syndrome is massive intestinal distension, which is detected on clinical inspection and plain abdominal radiography. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, treatment has focussed on preventing intestinal perforation, which is associated with a 21% mortality rate.

Neostigmine for the treatment of pediatric acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ie, Ogilvie's syndrome) is an uncommon but serious condition in the pediatric population. Definitive management traditionally has consisted of endoscopic decompression. Recent studies have documented the effectiveness of neostigmine as a pharmacologic alternative to mechanical decompression. To date, however, this literature has focused exclusively on the adult population. The authors present the first reported case of the successful administration of neostigmine to treat acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in a child.

Gastrointestinal problems in the chronically critically ill patient

In summary, a variety of gastrointestinal processes may occur in the chronically critically ill patient population, usually as consequence of the primary systemic process. The clinical presentation is frequently nonclassic and there often is a substantial delay in diagnosis, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

Colonic pseudo-obstruction in burns patients

Acute pseudo-obstruction is a rare complication in burns patients. An awareness of the factors implicated in its pathogenesis such as prolonged bed rest, narcotic medications, hypokalaemia, sepsis and surgery (all commonly associated with burns patients) is essential if this condition is to be avoided. Early diagnosis, prokinetic and cathartic agents, and aggressive endoscopic intervention are essential to halt the progression of caecal dilatation. Excisional surgery and stoma formation are necessary for salvage of complicated colonic pseudo-obstruction.

Endoscopic decompression for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

BACKGROUND

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is often treated by colonoscopic decompression. Efficacy, safety, and outcome of endoscopic decompression was assessed.

METHODS

Colonoscopic decompressions from 1988 to 1994 were reviewed. Resolution without further endoscopic intervention was defined as clinical success.

RESULTS

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction was diagnosed in 50 patients. Thirty-three cases followed surgery or trauma and 17 developed during severe medical illness. Orthopedic joint surgery was most common. Nineteen of 50 patients (38%) had severe underlying medical disease. Forty-one patients (82%) had one colonoscopic decompression with clinical success in 39 (95%). Nine patients (18%) required multiple (2 to 4) colonoscopic decompressions with clinical success in 5 (56%). A decompression tube positioned in the right colon (57%) and in the transverse colon (33%) had similar clinical success. In 8 procedures a decompression tube was not placed, with poor clinical success (25%). The overall clinical success of colonoscopic decompression was 88% (44 of 50). An endoscopic perforation occurred in 1 patient (2%). Overall hospital mortality was 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonoscopic decompression is effective and safe for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction that does not respond to conservative therapy. Most patients will respond to one colonoscopic decompression with decompression tube placement. Complete colonoscopy and cecal tube placement is unnecessary.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction in a burn patient

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction as a syndrome was first described by Ogilvie in 1948 (Br. Med J. 2, 671). It is characterized by colonic dilatation with no mechanical cause which affects critically ill patients. As a result of this complication the prognosis worsens. Initially there are few clinical symptoms, but subsequently colonic obstruction develops which, if not treated, can cause perforation of the caecum resulting in a high mortality rate. The treatment includes decompression via rectal and nasogastric probes, colonoscopy and caecostomy.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction

The syndrome of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is well delineated but its aetiology remains poorly understood and patients are still treated inappropriately. This article reviews the pathogenesis and surgical management of this condition. Early diagnosis is stressed as a pivotal factor in reducing morbidity and mortality.

Ogilvie's syndrome. Successful management without colonoscopy

We reviewed the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of 25 patients with Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudoobstruction) at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 1982 through 1985. All patients had cancer and severe associated medical problems. Abdominal x-rays uniformly showed cecal distension ranging between 9 and 18 cm. Twenty-four of the 25 patients were treated with conservative nonendoscopic management. One patient had an exploratory laparotomy for prophylactic cecostomy after only one day of conservative therapy. Of the 24 patients treated conservatively, 23 (96%) improved by both clinical and radiologic criteria in a mean of 3.0 days. The remaining patient died of multisystem failure not related to the acute colonic pseudoobstruction. Colonoscopic decompression was not attempted in any of the 25 patients. There were no colonic perforations, and there were no pseudoobstruction-related deaths. This study questions the need for early endoscopic or surgical treatment in cancer patients with acute colonic pseudoobstruction.

Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon in a kidney-transplanted patient (Ogilvie's syndrome)

Ogilvie's syndrome is an acute massive dilation of the large bowel without organic obstruction. It can occur from a variety of causes and organ failures. We report on the first patient who has developed this syndrome twice, in both cases after kidney transplantation. The world literature concerning the subject is also reviewed.

Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome). An analysis of 400 cases

This study analyzes 400 cases of acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon (Ogilvie's syndrome). Seven cases were reported at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center between October 1982 and February 1985; 393 cases were reported in the literature from 1970-1985. Ogilvie's syndrome is most commonly reported in patients in the sixth decade, and is more predominant in men. It is caused by an unknown disturbance to the autonomic innervation of the distal colon, and is associated with different conditions. Plain abdominal roentgenogram is the most useful diagnostic test. If the cecal diameter is 12 cm or greater, or conservative management is unsuccessful, colonoscopic or operative decompression is needed. The mode of treatment, age, cecal diameter, delay in decompression, and status of the bowel significantly influence the mortality rate, which is approximately 15 percent with early appropriate management, compared with 36 to 44 percent in perforated or ischemic bowel.

Pseudo-obstruction of the colon following cesarean section. A review

Pseudo-obstruction of the colon is characterized by an adynamic unobstructed colon which rapidly progresses to marked dilatation of the cecum and transverse colon. Disagreements exist regarding the etiology or pathogenesis of this syndrome; it has been associated with metabolic, traumatic, postoperative, and idiopathic causes. In reviewing the literature we have concluded that in pseudo-obstruction of the colon after cesarean section, the mean age of occurrence is 35 years. The symptoms occur in the first 72 hours after operation. Straight x-ray examination of the abdomen is the most useful diagnostic measure. All cecal perforations occurred by the fifth postoperative day. For this reason, we recommend early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention before that time. In cases when the cecal distention is 12 cm or more, decompression is urgent.

Colonoscopic decompression of acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon

The recent advances in technology have made it possible to decompress acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon with colonoscope instead of celiotomy and cecostomy. Twenty-two patients who developed acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon and underwent colonoscopy were analyzed. The authors were successful in completely or partially decompressing the dilated colon in 19 of 22 patients. There were no complications. Acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon is usually secondary to intra- or extra-abdominal insult resulting in direct or reflex derangement of the sacral parasympathetic outflow. This causes a functional obstruction of the left colon. The goal of management is to prevent colonic perforation while treating the primary problems. Once the diagnosis has been made, colonoscopy should be attempted. Celiotomy should be reserved to cases in which colonoscopy is unsuccessful or in cases with perforation or impending perforation.

Colon volvulus and the geriatric patient

One is tempted to believe that volvulus in elderly patients on many occasions may be preceded by inactivity and pseudomegacolon. Owing to psychiatric problems, chronic illness, or institutionalization, the patient is more likely to be subjected to treatment with sedatives and psychotropic drugs, causing decreased neuromuscular function of the gut. The basic principles in treating the volvulus are releasing the volvulus, deciding whether a nonoperative or an operative procedure should be employed, and treating complications. As far as surgical management is concerned, several techniques have been suggested, some of which are still controversial. Colonoscopy appears to have become an important method of treatment for volvulus with clearly established indications. Oddly enough, already hospitalized patients are occasionally subjected to delayed attention for volvulus. Therefore, physicians responsible for the care of geriatric patients should be alerted by even fairly mild symptoms of distention, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Clinical evaluation, including routine films of the abdomen, may avert a major catastrophe.

Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudo-obstruction): review of the literature (October 1948 to March 1980) and report of four additional cases

Four additional cases of Ogilvie's syndrome (acute colonic pseudo-obstruction), representing the first cases described in Italy, are reported. The medical literature concerning the subject is also thoroughly reviewed. Ogilvie's syndrome is an acute massive dilatation of the large bowel without organic obstruction of the distal colon. Three hundred and fifty-one cases have been described in the literature to date. Eighty-eight per cent of the cases were associated with various extracolonic affections (metabolic and organ dysfunctions, postoperative and posttraumatic states, etc.). Twelve per cent of cases were not associated with known disorders and were defined as idiopathic. The pathophysiology of the syndrome is still unknown. Ogilvie, who first described the syndrome in 1948, suggested an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the colon: this neurogenic hypothesis has been shared by other authors, although explanations may differ slightly. The clinical and radiologic picture closely resembles mechanical obstruction of the large bowel. The most marked dilatation usually takes place in the right colon and cecum: if the distended cecum reaches a diameter larger than 9 to 12 cm, perforation is likely to occur; if perforation occurs, the mortality rate increases from 25 to 31 per cent to about 43 to 46 per cent. If conservative management fails to control the dilatation and cecal rupture is impending or suspected emergency surgery is indicated, the surgical procedure of choice is dictated by the general conditions of the patient as well as by the intestinal findings: operation may consist of cecostomy, colostomy, or right hemicolectomy or simply emptying the bowel.

Colonic ileus

Nine cases of colonic ileus, characterized by selective or disproportionate distention of the large intestine without organic obstruction, are detailed. Massive cecal dilatation often dominates the radiographic presentation and may portend perforation. While management is generally conservative, cecostomy may be necessary to prevent peritonitis.