Late Intestinal Complications of Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Regardless of age, all patients with cystic fibrosis are subject to intestinal complications due to the abnormal character of their fecal contents. Five cases were studied. The patients ages ranged from 13 months to 31 years. Two patients had fecal masses, one with and the other without evidence of intestinal obstruction, and both responded to medical measures. In three surgical problems developed: ileocolic intussusception, small bowel volvulus, and obturation unresponsive to conservative management. Guiding principles for medical and surgical management are outlined, based on our own experiences and a review of 23 cases from the literature.