Surgical management of large bowel obstruction due to colonic cancer

Abstract

Background

Bowel obstruction represents a common surgical emergency. The purpose of this study is to highlight our principles while managing cases of large bowel obstruction (LBO) due to colonic carcinoma.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with LBO underwent emergency surgery. Patients with LBO caused by obstructive malignant colonic lesions underwent either with one-stage primary resection and anastomosis (14 patients, 67%) or two-stage operation (7 patients, 33%).

Results

There were no operation-related complications. The average length of hospitalisation was 14 days with a range from 10 to 23 days. Postoperative mortality was 14%.

Conclusions

One-stage primary resection and anastomosis of the large bowel, is a feasible option in cases of emergency. LBO caused by colonic carcinoma can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality whenever comorbidity of the patient is not a contraindication.