RESTORATIVE PROCTOCOLECTOMY FOR IDIOPATHIC MEGARECTUM - POSTOPERATIVERECOVERY OF HYPOTONIC ANAL SPHINCTERS - REPORT OF 2 CASES

PURPOSE: Restorative proctocolectomy has been advocated in the treatme nt of idiopathic megacolon, provided there is normal sphincter functio n. We report two patients undergoing this procedure, despite abnormal sphincter function. METHODS: Anorectal manometry and detailed symptom review were performed both preoperatively and at various stages postop eratively in two young patients with idiopathic megarectum. RESULTS: B oth patients had progressive sphincter recovery postoperatively, shown both manometrically and with symptomatic review. CONCLUSION: Low preo perative sphincter pressures in young patients with idiopathic megarec tum may not preclude successful outcome after restorative proctocolect omy.