SMALL-BOWEL RESECTION FOR RELIEF OF CHRONIC INTESTINAL PSEUDOOBSTRUCTION

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction refractory to medical therapy is a debilitating problem for patients and a challenge for clinicians. W e report a case of chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction wi th giant upper intestinal diverticula, complicated by hypersecretion r efractory to medical therapy and requiring 10 yr of home parenteral nu trition. Resection of the chronically dilated small bowel with giant d iverticula and construction of improved gastric and duodenal drainage was performed. This not only relieved the hypersecretory state and imp roved gastric drainage, but allowed the patient to stop parenteral nut rition and eat regular food for the first time in 10 yr, Select patien ts with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction will respond favorably t o palliative surgical intervention.