Idiopathic acquired megacolon

Abstract

Patients (48) treated for chronic incapacitating constipation by surgical resection were reviewed. Of these, 37 had subtotal colectomy, 8 had left colectomy, 2 had right hemicolectomy and 1 had ileostomy, colectomy and a Hartmann pouch. There were significant complications (21%) and 1 mortality (2%). A long-term successful outcome was found in 81% of the patients on follow-up. Physiologic studies are recommended to improve the selection of patients.