Diseases of the colon and rectum
-
The operation of choice for acutely obstructed carcinoma of the left colon is controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of its management by emergency subtotal/total colectomy with immediate anastomosis without diversion. ⋯ Emergency subtotal colectomy achieves in one stage relief of bowel obstruction and tumor resection by encompassing a massively distended and fecal-loaded colon with ischemic lesions and serosal tears on the cecum, ensures restoration of gut contiguity via a "safe" ileocolonic anastomosis, and removes occasional lesions proximal to the index cancer. It is a safe procedure given that operative mortality rates are as low as with elective surgery.
-
A silastic tissue expander has been used to tamponade severe presacral hemorrhage in a patient undergoing abdominoperineal resection for rectal carcinoma. This technique may be applicable in similar cases when tamponade is required for uncontrolled venous hemorrhage. The presence of an expandable pelvic prosthesis may be of use postoperatively in avoiding radiation-associated small bowel injury.