Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2004; 17(1): 71-74
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-823073
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Surgical Management of Acute Colitis and Toxic Megacolon

Tracey D. Arnell1
  • 1Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Division of General Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia Campus, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 April 2004 (online)

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Toxic colitis, also known as fulminant colitis, or toxic megacolon when associated with bowel dilation, remains a significant emergent problem in patients with ulcerative colitis. The surgical options differ when compared with the patient undergoing elective resection for this disease and are influenced by the patients' overall medical status. Generally the options are total abdominal colectomy with ileostomy, and proctocolectomy with ileostomy or pouch reconstruction. In few circumstances, a decompressing colostomy and loop ileostomy may be performed. More recently, laparoscopy has been employed. The general surgical recommendations, indications, and techniques will be discussed.

REFERENCES

Tracey D ArnellM.D. 

Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Division of General Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia Campus

161 Fort Washington St., 8th Fl.

New York, NY 10032

Email: ta2107@columbia.edu