Artificial intelligence-powered early identification of refractory constipation in children.

Background: Children experiencing refractory constipation, resistant to conventional pharmacological approaches, develop severe symptoms that persist into adulthood, leading to a substantial decline in their quality of life. Early identification of refractory constipation may improve their management. We aimed to describe the characteristics of colonic anatomy in children with different types of constipation and develop a supervised machine-learning model for early identification. Methods: In this retrospective study, patient characteristics and standardized colon size (SCS) ratios by barium enema (BE) were studied in patients with functional constipation (n=77), refractory constipation (n=63), and non-constipation (n=65). Statistical analyses were performed and a supervised machine learning (ML) model was developed based on these data for the classification of the three groups. Results: Significant differences in rectum diameter, sigmoid diameter, descending diameter, transverse diameter, and rectosigmoid length were found in the three groups. A linear support vector machine was utilized to build the early detection model. Using five features (SCS ratios of sigmoid colon, descending colon, transverse colon, rectum, and rectosigmoid), the model demonstrated an accuracy of 81% [95% confidence interval (CI): 79.17% to 83.19%]. Conclusions: The application of using a supervised ML strategy obtained an accuracy of 81% in distinguishing children with refractory constipation. The combination of BE and ML model can be used for practical implications, which is important for guiding management in children with refractory constipation.

Delayed presentation of congenital sigmoid colon stenosis: a rare entity.

Congenital sigmoid colon stenosis is a rare entity that can mimic Hirschsprung disease. Presentation of congenital colon stenosis is usually within first few weeks of life. Our case presented with features of distal bowel obstruction at 2 years of age with the history of chronic constipation and progressive abdominal distention from first week of life and bilious vomiting for the last 1 week. Clinical diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease was made. Contrast enhanced CT abdomen showed bowel obstruction with transition point at the level of proximal sigmoid colon. There was a short segment stenosis at the level of proximal sigmoid colon. Contrast enema showed stenosis at proximal sigmoid colon. The bowel distal to stenosis was normal in calibre. Similar findings were seen during surgery. Mesocolon was present in stenosed segment of the bowel. The resected stenotic segment showed adequate ganglion cells in histopathology.

Diagnostic accuracy of barium enema versus full-thickness rectal biopsy in children with clinically suspected Hirschsprung's disease: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Hirschsprung's disease (HSD) remains a common cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction. Barium contrast enema (BE) is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of clinically suspected cases. Here, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of BE in children with clinically suspected HSD when compared to a gold standard full-thickness rectal biopsy (FTRB). Methods: We recruited and consecutively enrolled children with clinically suspected HSD at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Participants underwent BE imaging and two radiologists interpreted the findings independently. Participants further underwent FTRB by pediatric surgeons as the confirmatory test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated on Stata version 14.2, taking FTRB as the standard. Results: We enrolled 55 cases, of which 49 completed the evaluation and were included in the final analysis. The median age was 9.4 months (interquartile range: 2-24], with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4:1. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of BE were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.81-0.99]), 0.73 (95% CI [0.39-0.94]), 0.92 (95% CI [0.82-0.97]), and 0.80 (95% CI [0.50-0.94]), respectively. On AUC, the diagnostic accuracy of BE compared to the confirmatory FTRB was 0.84 (95% CI [0.69-0.98]). The diagnostic accuracy was higher in neonates (ROC: 1.00) when compared to infants (ROC: 0.83) or those above 1 year of age (ROC: 0.798). HSD-suggestive BE findings were associated with absence of ganglion cells on FTRB (χ 2 = 23.301, p < 0.001). Inverted rectosigmoid ratio and transition zone were more sensitive in detecting HSD of 0.92 (95% CI [0.74-0.98]) and 0.81 (95% CI [0.63-0.92]), respectively. Conclusion: BE is sufficiently accurate in the diagnosis of children with HSD, suggesting BE would likely be used to inform surgical management in settings where confirmatory biopsy is lacking. However, clinical judgment is warranted in interpreting negative BE findings.

Hernia hiatal tipo IV: presentación de caso / Hiatal hernia type IV: case presentation

RESUMEN Fundamento: la hernia hiatal es la anormalidad más frecuente del tracto digestivo superior, se clasifica en cuatro tipos, estas hernias pueden ser por deslizamiento y paraesofágicas, estas últimas de presentación mucho menos frecuente en la práctica clínica como es el caso que se presentó tipo IV; la mayoría son asintomáticas son descubiertas incidentalmente en radiografías de tórax o en tomografía computarizada multicorte y cuando son sintomáticas muchas veces están asociadas a complicación. Objetivo: presentar un paciente con hernia hiatal tipo IV diagnosticada por tomografía computarizada multicorte. Presentación del caso: paciente masculino, de 58 años de edad, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que refiere presentar una hernia diafragmática diagnosticada hace 15 años, que presenta dolor abdominal a tipo cólico de moderada intensidad acompañado de distensión abdominal eructos, vómitos y disnea. Al examen físico, abdomen globuloso que sigue los movimientos respiratorios, doloroso a la palpación superficial y profunda. En el tórax se auscultan ruidos hidroaéreos en el lado derecho. La tomografía computarizada multicorte demuestra la herniación de estómago, colon transverso y epiplón en hemitórax derecho a través del hiato esofágico. Conclusiones: las hernias hiatales son las anomalías más frecuentes del tracto digestivo superior pero las gigantes tipo IV con herniación de otras estructuras abdominales, como colon, omento, intestino delgado, hígado y páncreas son una forma infrecuente de presentación de las mismas. La tomografía computarizada multicorte y el estudio baritado de esófago-estómago-duodeno, resultan fundamentales para el diagnóstico y caracterización de estas lesiones.

ABSTRACT Background: the hiatal hernia is the most frequent abnormality of the upper digestive tract, which are classified into four types, these hernias can be by sliding and paraesophageal, the latter being much less frequent presentation in clinical practice as is the case presented type IV; most of them are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally on chest x-rays or multi-slice CT and when they are symptomatic they are often associated with complications. Objective: to describe a patient with hiatal hernia type IV diagnosed by multi-slice CT. Case report: a 58-year-old male patient with a history of arterial hypertension, who reported having a diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed 15 years ago, who presents with abdominal pain with a moderate intensity of colic accompanied by abdominal distension, belching, vomiting, and dyspnea. At physical examination, globular abdomen that follows the respiratory movements, painful to superficial and deep palpation. Hydro-aerial noises are heard in the right side of the thorax. Multi-slice CT shows herniation of the stomach, transverse colon and omentum in the right chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus. Conclusions: hiatal hernias are the most frequent anomalies of the upper digestive tract but type IV giants with herniation of other abdominal structures, such as colon, omentum, small intestine, liver and pancreas are an infrequent form of presentation of them. Multi-slice CT and barium study of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum are fundamental for the diagnosis and characterization of these lesions.

Radiological study of megacolon in trypanosoma cruzi infected rats / Estudo radiológico de megacólon em ratos infectados por trypanosoma cruzi

ABSTRACT Background: Researches on Chagas disease still use several animals and rats, due to size and susceptibility were preferred by many authors. Aim: To develop an experimental model of megacolon in rats inoculated with the strain Y of Trypanosoma cruzi. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed in three groups inoculated with different inoculants: Group A: 600000, Group B: 1000000 and Group C: 1500000 blood trypomastigotes of T. cruzi. Animals were sedated intramuscularly at zero inoculation time (T0) and 60 days after inoculation (T60), to perform the barium enema in order to evaluate the dilatation of the different segments of colon in a comparative study of the measurements obtained, using a digital caliper. Evidence of infection was performed by blood smear collected from the animal's tail 18 days after inoculation with observation of blood forms. Results: Comparing the intestinal diameter of the inoculated animals with 60,0000 trypomastigotes in the T0 of infection with T60 days after the inoculation, significant dilatation was observed between the proximal, medial and distal segments (p<0.01), indicating the establishment of the megacolon model. In addition, comparing intestinal diameter between the different segments, with in the T0 of infection and the T60 after inoculation, significant alterations were observed (p<0.05). Conclusion: The proposed model was possible for in vivo studies of alterations due to infection by T. cruzi and functional alterations of the colon. In addition, the changes manifested in the colon are not directly proportional to the size of the inoculum, but to the time of infection that the animals were submitted, since the animals inoculated with 60,0000 blood forms were the ones which presented the most significant alterations.

RESUMO Racional: Pesquisas para doença de Chagas ainda utilizam diversos animais e o rato por seu tamanho e sua suscetibilidade foi o preferido por muitos pesquisadores. Objetivo: Desenvolver um modelo experimental de megacólon em ratos inoculados com a cepa Y de Trypanosoma cruzi. Métodos: Utilizou-se 30 ratos, machos, distribuídos em três grupos inoculados com diferentes inóculos: Grupo A: 600000, Grupo B: 1000000 e Grupo C: 1500000 tripomastigotas sanguíneos da cepa Y de T. cruzi. Os animais foram sedados via intramuscular no tempo zero de inoculação (T0) e aos 60 dias após a inoculação (T60) para realização de enema opaco para avaliação da dilatação dos diferentes segmentos do cólon em estudo comparativo das medidas obtidas, com o auxílio de um paquímetro digital. A comprovação da infecção foi realizada com esfregaço de sangue coletado a partir da cauda do animal 18 dias após a inoculação com observação das formas sanguíneas. Resultados: Ao comparar o diâmetro intestinal dos animais inoculados com 60.0000 formas tripomastigotas no T0 de infecção com T60 dias após a inoculação, observou-se dilatação significativa entre os segmentos proximal, medial e distal (p<0,01), indicando o estabelecimento do modelo de megacólon. Além disso, ao comparar o diâmetro intestinal entre os diferentes segmentos, dentro do T0 de infecção e do T60 após a inoculação, observou-se alterações significantes (p<0,05). Conclusões: O modelo proposto mostrou-se factível para estudos in vivo das alterações decorrentes da infecção pelo T. cruzi e alterações funcionais do cólon. Além disso, as alterações manifestadas no cólon não são diretamente proporcionais ao tamanho do inóculo, mas sim ao tempo de infecção que os animais foram submetidos, visto que os inoculados com 600000 formas sanguíneas foram as que mais apresentaram alterações significantes.

Diagnostic accuracy of barium enema findings in hirschsprung's disease / Acurácia do diagnóstico de achados do enema opaco na doença de hirschsprung

ABSTRACT Background: Hirschsprung's disease is the most common cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction. Contrast enema is used for evaluation of the patients with its diagnosis. Aim: To evaluate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of radiologic findings for diagnosis of Hirschsprung in patients underwent barium enema. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in Imam Khomeini Hospital for one year starting from 2012, April. Sixty patients were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: neonates with failure to pass meconium, abdominal distention, and refractory constipation who failed to respond with medical treatment. Transitional zone, delay in barium evacuation after 24 h, rectosigmoid index (maximum with of the rectum divided by maximum with of the sigmoid; abnormal if <1), and irregularity of mucosa (jejunization) were evaluated in barium enema. Biopsy was obtained at three locations apart above dentate line. PPV, NPV, specificity , and sensitivity was calculated for each finding. Results: Mean age of the cases with Hirschsprung's disease and without was 17.90±18.29 months and 17.8±18.34 months respectively (p=0.983). It was confirmed in 30 (M=20, F=10) of cases. Failure to pass meconium was found in 21(70%) cases. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 90%, 80%, 81.8% and 88.8% respectively for transitional zone in barium enema. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 76.7%, 83.3%, 78.1% and 82.1% respectively for rectosigmoid index .Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 46.7%, 100%, 100% and 65.2% respectively for irregular contraction detected in barium enema. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 23.3%, 100%, 100% and 56.6% respectively for mucosal irregularity in barium enema. Conclusion: The most sensitive finding was transitional zone. The most specific findings were irregular contraction, mucosal irregularity, and followed by cobblestone appearance.

RESUMO Racional: A doença de Hirschsprung é a causa mais comum de obstrução intestinal pediátrica. Enema baritado é usado para a avaliação dos pacientes com o diagnóstico . Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo de achados radiológicos para diagnóstico de Hirschsprung em pacientes submetidos ao enema opaco. Métodos: Este estudo transversal foi realizado em Imam Khomeini Hospital por um ano a partir de abril de 2012. Sessenta pacientes foram incluídos. Os critérios de inclusão foram: recém-nascidos com insuficiência de passagem de mecônio, distensão abdominal, e constipação refratária sem resposta ao tratamento médico. Foram avaliadas no enema zona de transição, atraso na evacuação de bário após 24 h, índice retossigmoide (máximo do diâmetro do reto dividido pelo máximo do sigmóide; anormal se <1), e as irregularidades da mucosa (jejunização). Biópsia foi obtida em três localizações acima da linha dentada. VPP, VPN, especificidade e sensibilidade foram calculados para cada achado. Resultados: A idade média dos casos com a doença de Hirschsprung e sem foi 17,90±18,29 meses e 17,8±18,34 meses, respectivamente (p=0,983). Confirmou-se em 30 (M=20, F=10) dos casos. Falha no mecônio foi encontrada em 21 (70%) casos. Sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foram de 90%, 80%, 81,8% e 88,8%, respectivamente, para a zona de transição no enema. Sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foram 76,7%, 83,3%, 78,1% e 82,1%, respectivamente para o índice de retossigmoide. Sensitividade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foram 46,7%, 100%, 100% e 65,2%, respectivamente, para contração irregular detectada no enema baritado. Sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP e VPN foram de 23,3%, 100%, 100% e 56,6%, respectivamente, para a irregularidade da mucosa. Conclusão: O achado mais sensível foi zona de transição. Os achados mais específicos foram contração irregular, irregularidade da mucosa, e seguido por aparecimento de mucosa em forma de paralelepípedos.

Invaginación intestinal en el niño, respuesta al tratamiento médico / Intestinal intussusception in children and response to medical treatment

INTRODUCCIÓN: la invaginación intestinal idiopática es la causa más frecuente de abdomen agudo en el lactante y en el transicional. El tratamiento de elección es el médico, siempre que cumpla los criterios de inclusión, por ser menos invasivo, presentar menos complicaciones, menor costo y más efectivo, al compararlo con el tratamiento quirúrgico. OBJETIVO: evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento médico en niños con invaginación intestinal. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 55 pacientes con el diagnóstico de invaginación intestinal idiopática con criterios de tratamiento médico, que ingresaron en el servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Centro Habana, en el período de enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2012. Los métodos de reducción empleados fueron mediante neumocolon y el colon por enema baritado. Se utilizó el test de chi cuadrado para el análisis. RESULTADOS: el tratamiento con enema de bario predominó ligeramente sobre el neumocolon (28/27) para 50,9 % y 49,1 % respectivamente. Su efectividad fue mayor para el neumocolon (77,8 %), en comparación con el enema de bario (57,1 %) (RR= 1,38, p> 0,05). La efectividad de estos procederes está en relación con el tiempo de evolución; a menor tiempo, mejores resultados. CONCLUSIONES: no se encontró una variación significativa en los resultados en los 2 procederes médicos propuestos, aunque fue más efectivo el neumocolon que el enema de bario.

INTRODUCTION: idiopathic intestinal intussusceptions are the most frequent cause of acute abdomen in the breastfed baby and in the transitional infant. The medical treatment is the choice provided that the inclusion criteria are met since it is less invasive, costly and complicated but more effective than the surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of the medical treatment in children with intestinal intussusception. diagnosed with idiopathic intestinal intussusceptions and met the medical treatment criteria met; they had been admitted to the pediatric surgical service of Centro Habana university pediatric hospital in the period of January 2000 through December 2012. The used methods were pneumocolon and barium enema colon. Chi-square test was used for the analysis. RESULTS: the barium enema treatment slightly prevailed over pneumocolon (28 vs. 27) for 50.9 % and 49.1 %, respectively. The pneumocolon effectiveness (77.8 %) was higher than the barium enema (57.1 %) (RR= 1.38, p> 0.05). The effectiveness of both procedures depends on the time of progression of disease, which means that best results go to less time of progression. CONCLUSIONS: no significant variations were found in the results of the two suggested medical procedures, although pneumocolon was more effective than barium enema.

Avaliação topográfica do cólon transverso pelo enema opaco: definição, prevalência e proposta de classificação da ptose do cólon transverso / Topographic evaluation of the transverse colon by barium enema: definition, prevalence and proposed of a classification of the enteroptosis

Objetivo: a ptose do cólon foi definida em 1922 por Cannon como rebaixamento do segmento transverso, em forma de V, podendo estender-se até o nível pélvico, sendo que quanto mais agudos forem os ângulos das flexuras esplênica e hepática, maior será a gravidade da sintomatologia, que inclui flatulência, distensão abdominal e constipação. Embora seja consenso na prática clínica que a enteroptose seja detectada frequentemente nos enemas opacos, ainda não há unanimidade na sua definição conceitual, além da inexistência de dados sobre sua prevalência. A possível relação entre esta alteração patológica e a constipação intestinal torna ainda mais relevante e instigante o seu estudo. Objetivo: definir e estabelecer a prevalência em nosso meio, e propor uma classificação radiológica para a enteroptose. Método: este estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. Na primeira foram analisados 193 enemas opacos digitais, visando estabelecer a prevalência da ptose. E a segunda propôs uma classificação topográfica em graus (0, 1 e 2), sendo a de Grau 2 considerada como a enteroptose verdadeira. Resultados: a prevalência de enteroptose verdadeira foi de 35 (18%) dos 193 enemas opacos examinados, sendo estatisticamente mais prevalente em mulheres (p=0,039). Considerando a prevalência mundial da constipação de até 20%, é plausível supor que possa haver correlação entre constipação e ptose Grau 2. Conclusão: não há na literatura mundial estudos sobre prevalência ou classificação da ptose do transverso, e acreditamos que a presente classificação em graus, associada à avaliação sintomatológica baseada nos critérios de Roma III, será um grande norteador para indicar a conduta diagnóstica na constipação.

Introduction: the enteroptosis was defined in 1922 by Cannon as flattening of the transverse segment, in V form, extending to the pelvic level, and if more acute are the angles of splenic and liver flexures, greater will be the symptom including flatulence, bloating and constipation. Although consensus in clinical practice often detected enteroptosis in barium enemas, there is no unanimity in the conceptual definition, besides there is no data about the prevalence. The possible relationship between this pathological change and constipation becomes this study even more relevant and compelling. Objective: define, establish the prevalence in our environment and propose a radiological classification for enteroptosis. Method: this study was conducted in two phases. In the first 193 digital barium enemas were analyzed to establish the prevalence of eneroptosis. The second proposed a topographic classification in degrees (0. 1 and 2), being considered Degree 2 as the true enteroptosis. Results: the prevalence of true enteroptosis was 35 (18 %) of the 193 examined barium enemas, being statistically more prevalent in women (p=0.039). Given the global prevalence of constipation up to 20% it is plausible that there may be a correlation between constipation and enteroptosis Degree 2. Conclusion: there are no studies in the literature about the prevalence or classification of enteroptosis, and we believe that the present classification in degrees, associated with the symptomatology assessment based in Rome III criteria will be a great guiding to indicate the diagnostic of constipation.

Barium enema reduction of intussusception in a developing country / Reducción de la intususcepción mediante enema de bario en un país en vías de desarrollo

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current success rate of barium enema reduction of intussusception and to investigate the factors affecting successful reduction. DESIGN AND METHODS: All patients admitted to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex during the 8-year period from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2007 with a diagnosis of intussusception were included. Patients' demographics, date and time of admission, clinical features, success of barium reduction, surgical findings and length of stay were recorded. The SPSS 12.0 programme was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 65 cases of intussusception. Vomiting and rectal bleeding were the most common presenting symptoms (55, 85% / 49, 75%). Fifty-eight patients underwent barium enema reduction with 41.4% (24/58) having successful reduction. Factors which significantly increased the success rate included males older than 12 months, non-opioid analgesia or no analgesia and an admission to enema reduction time of less than 6 hours. CONCLUSION: The successful reduction rate is relatively low (41%). A higher index of suspicion is needed in order to make a timely diagnosis and institute appropriate treatment quickly.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la tasa de éxito actual de reducción de la intususcepción por edema de bario e investigar los factores que afectan la reducción exitosa. PLAN Y MÉTODOS: Todos los pacientes ingresados en el Complejo de Ciencias Médicas Eric Williams por el período de 8 años que va del 1ero de enero de 2000 al 31 de diciembre de 2007 con diagnóstico de intususcepción, fueron incluidos. Se registró toda la información relacionada con los datos demográficos de los pacientes, fecha y tiempo de ingreso, características clínicas, éxito de la reducción por bario, resultados quirúrgicos, y duración de la hospitalización. Se usó el programa SPSS 12.0 para el análisis de los datos. RESULTADOS: Se produjeron 65 casos de intususcepción. Los vómitos y el sangramiento rectal fueron los síntomas presentes más comunes (55, 85%/49, 75%). A cincuenta y ocho pacientes se les practicó la reducción por enema de bario, logrando 41.4% (24/58) una reducción exitosa. Los factores que aumentaron la tasa de éxito de manera significativa fueron los varones con más de 12 meses, la analgesia no-opioide o ninguna analgesia, y un tiempo de ingreso para la reducción por enema, de menos de 6 horas. CONCLUSIÓN: La tasa de reducción exitosa es relativamente baja (41%). Se requiere un índice más alto de sospecha para hacer un diagnóstico oportuno e iniciar un tratamiento apropiado rápidamente.

Divertículo gigante de colon: presentación de un caso / Giant colonic diverticulum: case report

El divertículo gigante de colon (DGC) es una rara complicación de la enfermedad diverticular. Se considera divertículo gigante cuando su diámetro supera los 4 cm. Descrito por primera vez en la literatura francesa en el año 1946, se han publicado hasta la fecha 155 casos. Nuestro paciente, de 59 años, refirió clínica de dolor abdominal leve de 4 meses de evolución. Se le solicitó un estudio de colon por enema, el que reveló una formación sacular de 15 cm en colon sigmoideo, de contenido aéreo y cuello corto, a través del cual se opacificó la cavidad con la sustancia baritada, confirmando el diagnóstico de DGC. Al paciente se le realizó, además, tomografía computada y resonancia magnética. El diagnóstico se confirmó con cirugía y estudio histopatológico. Se practicó una resección sigmoidea con DGC y anastomosis colorrectal lateroterminal. El estudio anatomopatológico informó DGC tipo II.

Giant colonic diverticulum is a rare diverticular disease complication. It is considered giant when its diameter is longer than 4 cms. It was reported the first time by french authors in 1946 and there is 155 cases reported in world literature. Our patient aged 59 years old, referred four month of abdominal pain. A barium enema was made showing a sigmoid cavity with air and fill of barium contrast with short neck continuing with the colon lumen. It was also studied with CT and MRI. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and histopathologic exam. The pathologic report informed giant colonic diverticulum type II.

Fechamento de colostomias: com ou sem estudo do cólon? / Colostomy closure: with or without pre-operative colon study

O estudo pré-operatório do cólon para fechamento de colostomias em alça devido a trauma vem perdendo importância nos últimos anos. A necessidade de se avaliar as alterações anatômicas pós-traumáticas do cólon vai de encontro aos custos, desconforto e morbidade dos exames. OBJETIVO: analisar a real necessidade do estudo prévio do cólon no fechamento de colostomia pós-trauma. MÉTODO: foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 98 prontuários de pacientes, no período de janeiro de 2004 a janeiro de 2006, portadores de colostomia em alça confeccionada após traumatismo e que foram alocados em dois grupos: grupo A, composto de 32 casos com estudo do cólon e o grupo B, 66 casos sem estudo colônico prévio. RESULTADOS: 94,9 por cento dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi de 27 anos. O tempo de permanência da colostomia foi, em média, 32,8 meses, sendo o flanco esquerdo a localização mais comum em ambos os grupos. A morbidade geral foi de 7,1 por cento, sendo 3,1 por cento de complicações no grupo A e 9,1 por cento no grupo B (p=0,16) e sem mortalidade. A complicação mais freqüente foi hematoma da parede abdominal em cinco casos (5,1 por cento), e apenas um caso de infecção de ferida operatória (1 por cento), e mais um de deiscência de anastomose (1 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: o estudo pré-operatório do cólon para fechamento de colostomia feita após trauma colorretal é dispensável.

The pre-operative study of the colon before loop colostomy closure in trauma patients has been loosing its importance since last few years. The need of evaluating the pos-traumatic anatomic alterations of the colon goes against the costs and morbidity of the examinations. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the real necessity of the colon study before colostomy closure in trauma patients. METHODS: a retrospective study of 98 patients submitted to colostomy closure after trauma, from January of 2004 to January of 2006 was carried out. They were divided in two groups: group A, composed of 32 patients with previews colon study and group B, composed of 66 patients without it. RESULTS: 94.9 percent of all patients were male and the average age was 27 years old. The time interval between colostomy and its closure was in average 32.8 months. The left side location was the most common sight. Overall morbidity was 7.1 percent, being 3.1 percent in group A and 9.1 percent in group B (p=0,16). The operative mortality was zero in both groups. The most common complication was wound haemathomas (5,1 percent) and only one case of wound infection. Anastomosis dehiscence occurred also in only one case, from group B. CONCLUSION: the pre-operative study of the colon for loop colostomy closure in trauma patients is not necessary.

Divertículo cólico gigante: manifestación infrecuente de una enfermedad muy frecuente / Giant colic diverticulum: rare manifestation of a very common disease

: A rare complication of diverticulosis of the colon is a giant colonic diverticulum. The condition was first described in French literature in 1946 and English literature in 1953. We communicate four personal cases including diagnosis by different modalities, evolution and surgical treatment, photography of pathological specimens and X ray study of the resected giant diverticula and colonic segment. A short review of the related literature is included.

Una complicación infrecuente de la diverticulosis del colon es el divertículo cólico gigante. Esta patología fue descrita inicialmente en la literatura francesa en 1946 y en la inglesa en 1953. Comunicamos cuatro casos, incluyendo los diagnósticos mediante diferentes exámenes de imágenes, evolución y tratamiento quirúrgico con fotografías intraoperatorias y de las piezas resecadas, como también radiografías de los especímenes. Se incluye una revisión concisa de la literatura.