CLOSURE OF RECTAL STUMP AFTER COLECTOMY FOR ACUTE COLITIS

In a retrospective study complications, mortality and morbidity follow ing acute colectomy for severe colitis with intra-abdominal closure of the rectal stump were rewieved in 147 consecutive patients (71 women and 76 men, median age of 40 years, range 18-95 years). Five patients (3%) died within 30 days postoperatively; none of the deaths were rela ted to the rectal stump. Three patients (2%) had a pelvic abscess due to leakage of the rectal closure, all were treated successfully with p ercutaneous drainage, guided by ultrasonography. No difficulties in lo cating the rectal stump or performing intended subsequent surgery were reported. The overall complications and mortality rate in this study are low and comparable to the best results reported from centers using the mucous fistula. Closure of the rectal stump is a safe procedure, and has the advantage of not leaving the patient with a second stoma.