ACUTE COLONIC SURGERY AND UNRECOGNIZED HYPOTHYROIDISM - A WARNING - REPORT OF 6 CASES

PURPOSE: This study was designed to highlight the significant morbidit y related to undetected hypothyroidism in the elderly who are undergoi ng emergency surgery. METHOD: Case reports of six patients who present ed with acute colonic surgical conditions are reviewed. RESULTS: Six c ases of undetected hypothyroidism in a group of elderly patients was u nmasked at the time of surgery for acute colonic conditions or in the perioperative period. These patients experienced increased morbidity, but once detected and treated, all but one had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Unrecognized hypothyroidism may lead to unnecessary surge ry or even a potentially fatal outcome. A heightened awareness of this not so uncommon entity is mandatory.