Usefulness of preoperative colonic lavage using transanal ileus tube for obstructing carcinoma of left colon - Device to perform one-stage operation safely

Surgical treatments for patients with obstructing carcinoma of the left col on still remain controversial, and many devices to perform a one-stage oper ation for such cases have been reported. The aim of the current study was t o demonstrate the usefulness of preoperative colonic lavage using a transan al ileus tube to perform a one-stage operation for patients with obstructin g carcinoma of the left colon. Five patients with intestinal obstruction du e to advanced carcinoma of the left colon were investigated. An ileus tube was transanally inserted and placed in the colon proximal to the tumor unde r the guidance of a colonoscope and guidewire. Preoperative colonic lavage was done with oral administration of an irrigating solution over several da ys. By using a transanal ileus tube, preoperative colonic lavage can be don e, which enables us to safely perform a one-stage operation for patients wi th obstructing carcinoma of the left colon with no increase in complication s or anastomotic leakage.