Megacolon andino y vólvulo del sigmoides de la altura: Presentación de 418 casos entre 2008 - 2012 en el hospital C. Monge - Puno, Perú / Andean megacolon and sigmoid volvulus in the high altitude: Presentation of 418 cases between 2008 - 2012 at C. Monge Hospital, Puno, Peru

Objetivo: El presente estudio describe el manejo médico y quirúrgico del vólvulo de sigmoides debido a dolicomegacolon andino en un hospital a una altitud mayor a 3000 msnm. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal de 418 pacientes con diagnóstico de vólvulo de sigmoides; admitidos inicialmente por cuadros de obstrucción intestinal, en el Hospital de Juliaca Carlos Monge - Puno, Perú, durante el periodo 2008-2012. Los datos fueron procesados a través del programa SPSS versión 21. Resultados: Se registraron 418 pacientes, la media de edad fue de 60 años, rango 18-89 años, con una proporción hombre/mujer de 3,5/1. El manejo no quirúrgico se hizo en 64 (15,4%), el tratamiento empleado fue de enema salino 20 casos 31% y sonda rectal 44 (69%), se presentó recurrencia en 27 pacientes (45%), los cuales tuvieron cirugía con resección anastomosis primaria, de estos la mortalidad correspondió a 8 pacientes (30%). De los 354 pacientes sometidos a manejo quirúrgico de emergencia 325 fueron sometidos a sigmoidectomia con anastomosis primaria (92%), mientras 29 tuvieron colostomía a lo Hartmann (8%), la morbilidad para ambos procedimientos fue de 52 casos (14,7%), la mortalidad para ambos procedimientos fue de 45 casos (12,7%). Conclusiones: El vólvulo sigmoides debido a megacolon andino tuvo una edad media de 60 años. El 15,4% tuvo manejo no quirúrgico, la tasa de recurrencia fue de 45%, mortalidad de 30%. El 84,7% tuvo manejo quirúrgico; el 92% tuvo resección anastomosis primaria y 8% colostomía a lo Hartmann, la morbilidad fue de 14,7% y la mortalidad de 12,7%.

Objective: The present study describes the medical and surgical management of sigmoid volvulus due to Andean dolicomegacolon in a hospital at an altitude above 3000 m. Material and methods: A descriptive, observational, crosssectional study of 418 patients diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus; Admitted initially due to intestinal obstruction, in the Hospital of Juliaca Carlos Monge. Puno-Perú, during the period 2008-2012. The data were processed through the SPSS software version 21. Results: A total of 418 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 60 years, range 18-89 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.5/1. Nonsurgical management was done in 64 (15.4%), the treatment used was saline enema 20 cases (31%) and rectal catheter 44 (69%), recurrence was present in 27 patients (45%), who had surgery with primary anastomosis resection, of which the mortality corresponded to 8 patients (30%). Of the 354 patients undergoing emergency surgical management, 325 were submitted to sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (92%), while 29 had Hartmann's colostomy (8%), the morbidity for both procedures was 52 cases (14.7%), Mortality for both procedures was 45 cases (12.7%). Conclusions: In patients with sigmoid volvulus due to Andean megacolon the mean age was 60 years. The 15.4% had non-surgical management, the recurrence rate was 45%, and mortality 30%. Patients with surgical management was 84.7%, from this group; 92% had primary anastomosis resection and 8% Hartmann colostomy, morbidity was 14.7% and mortality was 12.7%.

[Andean megacolon and sigmoid volvulus in the high altitude. Presentation of 418 cases between 2008 - 2012 at C. Monge Hospital, Puno, Peru]. / Megacolon andino y vólvulo del sigmoides de la altura. Presentación de 418 casos entre 2008 - 2012 en el hospital C. Monge Puno, Perú.

OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the medical and surgical management of sigmoid volvulus due to Andean dolicomegacolon in a hospital at an altitude above 3000 m. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, crosssectional study of 418 patients diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus; Admitted initially due to intestinal obstruction, in the Hospital of Juliaca Carlos Monge. Puno-Perú, during the period 2008-2012. The data were processed through the SPSS software version 21. RESULTS: A total of 418 patients were enrolled, the mean age was 60 years, range 18-89 years, and the male/female ratio was 3.5/1. Nonsurgical management was done in 64 (15.4%), the treatment used was saline enema 20 cases (31%) and rectal catheter 44 (69%), recurrence was present in 27 patients (45%), who had surgery with primary anastomosis resection, of which the mortality corresponded to 8 patients (30%). Of the 354 patients undergoing emergency surgical management, 325 were submitted to sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis (92%), while 29 had Hartmann's colostomy (8%), the morbidity for both procedures was 52 cases (14.7%), Mortality for both procedures was 45 cases (12.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sigmoid volvulus due to Andean megacolon the mean age was 60 years. The 15.4% had non-surgical management, the recurrence rate was 45%, and mortality 30%. Patients with surgical management was 84.7%, from this group; 92% had primary anastomosis resection and 8% Hartmann colostomy, morbidity was 14.7% and mortality was 12.7%.

Megarectosigmoid in children with anorectal malformations: long term outcome after surgical or conservative treatment.

PURPOSE: Megarectosigmoid (MRS) is commonly seen in children with anorectal malformations (ARM) and contributes to the high incidence of constipation. Surgical resection has been advocated by some, whereas others propose intense bowel management as the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome of both bowel function and configuration after surgical or conservative treatment of MRS in ARM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 79 patients with ARM, excluding perineal fistula, (48 boys, 31 girls) from 1986 to 2007. MRS was diagnosed at colostomy formation or contrast enema performed in the neonatal period. Early in the period, the majority of the patients were treated surgically, whereas in the late 1990 s, a conservative approach with intensified bowel treatment was implemented. Contrast enema and bowel function investigations were performed repeatedly during follow-up. RESULTS: MRS, according to radiological criteria, was diagnosed in 26/79 (33%) of the ARM children. Bowel functional outcome was similar regardless of surgical or conservative treatment and comparable to function in ARM children with non-MRS. The radiological signs of rectal dilatation and elongation disappeared after surgical intervention, but normalisation of the rectosigmoidal configuration was also seen with age in the conservative group. CONCLUSIONS: Bowel functional outcome in ARM children with MRS was similar after either surgical or conservative treatment during follow-up. The radiological signs of rectal dilatation and elongation disappeared also in the conservatively treated patients over time.

Colonic decompression and direct intraluminal medical therapy for Clostridium difficile-associated megacolon using a tube placed endoscopically in the proximal colon.

AIM: Urgent colectomy for severe Clostridium difficile infection can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to use endoscopic methods for treatment. METHOD: We describe a technique of placing an intracolonic tube facilitating decompression and direct delivery of vancomycin to the proximal colon along with enemas on a regular and frequent basis that may not be possible with vancomycin enemas alone. RESULTS: Successful resolution of the C. difficile infection and avoidance of surgery. CONCLUSION: While further long-term evaluation is required, our initial results have shown it to be effective in treating select patients with recalcitrant Clostridium difficile-associated megacolon.

Physical therapy combined with a laxative fruit drink for treatment of chagasic megacolon.

CONTEXT: The treatment of Chagas' disease colopathy is limited to clinical management in the initial of the process, and for patients for whom surgery is not indicated or is not possible, anti-constipation diets are used, along with judicious administration of laxatives and enemas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate over time the effects of physical-therapy interventions combined with daily ingestion of a laxative fruit drink in the treatment of chagasic megacolon. METHOD: In a quantitative, prospective, and comparative study, 12 patients of both sexes and with a mean age of 67 ± 12 years were clinically evaluated to receive 12 sessions of physical therapy twice a week, along with fruit drink, and were evaluated for intestinal constipation before and after treatment. RESULTS: A significant difference (P<0.0022) was observed in the constipation scores before and after 6 weeks of intervention in 91.7% of the patients, and in 72.7% after 12 months, with reduction of laxative medications, softer stools, and increased number of bowel movements. With respect to gender, age, and whether or not the patient had received surgical treatment, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The proposed protocol is easy to implement, safe, non-invasive, and low-cost, with the potential to be deployed in health care by providing benefits independent of gender, age, or whether the participant has undergone surgery, improving the condition of patients with chagasic megacolon.

Physical therapy combined with a laxative fruit drink for treatment of chagasic megacolon / Intervenção fisioterapêutica associada ao uso de coquetel de frutas no tratamento do megacolo chagásico

CONTEXT: The treatment of Chagas' disease colopathy is limited to clinical management in the initial of the process, and for patients for whom surgery is not indicated or is not possible, anti-constipation diets are used, along with judicious administration of laxatives and enemas. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate over time the effects of physical-therapy interventions combined with daily ingestion of a laxative fruit drink in the treatment of chagasic megacolon. METHOD: In a quantitative, prospective, and comparative study, 12 patients of both sexes and with a mean age of 67 ± 12 years were clinically evaluated to receive 12 sessions of physical therapy twice a week, along with fruit drink, and were evaluated for intestinal constipation before and after treatment. RESULTS: A significant difference (P<0.0022) was observed in the constipation scores before and after 6 weeks of intervention in 91.7 percent of the patients, and in 72.7 percent after 12 months, with reduction of laxative medications, softer stools, and increased number of bowel movements. With respect to gender, age, and whether or not the patient had received surgical treatment, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The proposed protocol is easy to implement, safe, non-invasive, and low-cost, with the potential to be deployed in health care by providing benefits independent of gender, age, or whether the participant has undergone surgery, improving the condition of patients with chagasic megacolon.

CONTEXTO: O tratamento da colopatia chagásica restringe-se ao manejo clínico no início do processo e, para pacientes sem indicação ou condição cirúrgica, utiliza-se de dietas anticonstipantes e administração judiciosa de laxantes e lavagens intestinais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar ao longo do tempo os efeitos das intervenções da fisioterapia associada à ingestão diária de coquetel de frutas no tratamento do megacolo chagásico. MÉTODO: Em estudo quantitativo prospectivo e comparativo, 12 pacientes de ambos os sexos e com média de idade de 67 ± 12 anos foram avaliados clinicamente para realizarem 12 sessões de fisioterapia, 2 vezes por semana, associadas ao uso de coquetel de frutas. Os resultados foram quantificados pela escala de avaliação de constipação intestinal antes e após o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Foi observada diferença significante (P<0,0022) nos valores da escala de constipação antes e após 6 semanas de intervenção em 91,7 por cento dos pacientes e em 72,7 por cento após 12 meses com a diminuição de medicações laxativas, fezes mais amolecidas e aumento da frequência de evacuações. As variáveis como sexo, idade e realização ou não de cirurgia não interferiram nos resultados obtidos (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo proposto é de fácil execução, seguro, não-invasivo, de baixo custo, com potencial para ser implantado nos serviços de saúde por apresentar benefícios, independente do sexo, da idade e do participante ter sofrido intervenção cirúrgica, melhorando a condição clínica de portadores de megacolo chagásico.

Long-term follow up of abdominal rectosigmoidectomy with posterior end-to-side stapled anastomosis for Chagas megacolon.

AIM: Chagas' disease is an endemic parasitosis found in Latin America. The disease affects different organs, such as heart, oesophagus, colon and rectum. Megacolon is the most frequent long-term complication, caused by damage to the myoenteric and submucous plexus, ultimately leading to a functional barrier to the faeces. Patients with severe constipation are managed surgically. The study aimed to analyse the 10-year minimum functional outcome after rectosigmoidectomy with posterior end-to-side anastomosis (RPESA). METHOD: A total of 21 of 46 patients were available for follow up. Patients underwent clinical, radiological and manometric evaluation, and the results were compared with preoperative parameters. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients evaluated, 81% (17) were female, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Good function was achieved in all patients, with significant improvement in defaecatory frequency (P < 0.0001), usage of enemas (P < 0.0001) and patient satisfaction. Barium enema also showed resolution of the colonic and rectal dilatation in 19 cases evaluated postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Minimal 10-year follow up of RPESA showed excellent functional results, with no recurrence of constipation.

Novel concepts in the diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of idiopathic megabowel.

A proportion of patients with intractable constipation have persistent dilatation of the bowel, which in the absence of an organic cause is termed idiopathic megabowel (IMB). Whilst uncommon, this condition results in considerable morbidity. Traditional methods of identifying such patients are associated with inherent methodological limitations with anorectal manometry and contrast studies overestimating and underestimating the prevalence of the condition, respectively. Recently, controlled, pressure-based distension during fluoroscopic imaging has allowed more accurate identification of patients on the basis of a rectal diameter > 6.3 cm at the minimum distension pressure. Histopathological abnormalities of all three final effectors of sensorimotor function have been reported, although it remains unclear whether these changes are primary, secondary or epiphenomic. Physiological abnormalities of sensorimotor function, namely impaired perception of rectal distension and delayed colonic transit are well documented in patients with IMB. Further, the recent demonstration of two subgroups of patients, defined on the basis of rectal compliance, suggests the possibility that they differ pathophysiologically, although the clinical relevance of this distinction is uncertain. Surgery is performed when conservative therapy is ineffective or poorly tolerated. Numerous procedures have been attempted with variable success rates and significant mortality and morbidity. Surgery should preferably be performed in specialist centres given the relative infrequency with which such patients are encountered, and that they require comprehensive clinical, psychological and physiological evaluation preoperatively.

La colectomía subtotal y cecorrecto anastomosis en el tratamiento del megacolon adquirido del adulto: una alternativa válida / The subtotal colectomy and cecum rectum anastomosis in the acquired adult megacolon treatment: a valid alternative

Antecedentes: la constipación crónica secundaria a megacolon adquirido puede conducir a una incapacidad socio-laboral. El tratamiento a efectuar en pacientes que no responden a la terapia médica genera un desafío para el cirujano. Objetivo: Mostrar la experiencia desarrollada en el manejo de pacientes portadores de megacolon adquirido y la vigencia del empleo de la colectomía subtotal y cecorrecto anastomosis. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital Público Polivalente. Diseño: Retrospectivo. Población: 27 pacientes portadores de megacolon adquirido seleccionados para este procedimiento, desde enero de 1989 a enero de 2005. Método: Se incluyeron los portadores de megacolon adquirido recidivado o con compromiso colónico proximal al sigmoide, dentro del período consignado. Se analizó: edad, sexo, procedencia de zona endémica, patología chagásica concomitante, sintomatología, métodos complementarios, preparación colónica, cirugía practicada, complicaciones y resultados funcionales postoperatorios. Resultados: 15 pacientes fueron varones (55,55 por ciento) con un promedio de 48,25 años (16/76). Veinticuatro provenían de zonas endémicas para enfermedad de Chagas (88,9 por ciento); veinte de ellos tenían serología positiva (83,33 por ciento) y el 80 por ciento cardiomiopatía chagásica. Todos fueron estudiados mediante colon por enema y fibrocolonoscopía, practicándoseles una colectomía subtotal y cecorrecto anastomosis. En tres oportunidades se confeccionó una ileostomía lateral. Las complicaciones observadas alcanzaron a 11 pacientes. No hubo mortalidad en la serie. Los controles postoperatorios se efectuaron en 22 casos (81,5 por ciento), constatándose buen funcionamiento evacuatorio, sin dilatación, con buena continencia y sin trastornos urogenitales. Conclusiones: a la fecha, la colectomía subtotal con cecorrecto anastomosis resulta una alternativa válida para el tratamiento del megacolon del adulto, especialmente en los recidivados o extendidos, exhibiendo algunas venta...

Persistent obstructive symptoms after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease: development of a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Although most children with Hirschsprung's disease (HD) do well after pull-through surgery, some continue to have persistent obstructive symptoms that may lead to significant morbidity. The author's goal was to develop an organized algorithm for the workup and ultimate management of these symptoms. METHODS: All children referred to the author with severe obstructive symptoms after a pull-through for HD were evaluated using an algorithm based on 5 potential etiologies, and appropriate therapeutic interventions were instituted. RESULTS: A total of 49 children were evaluated over 7 years. Mechanical obstruction was found using rectal examination and barium enema in 7, of which, 2 had resection of a Duhamel spur, and 5 had a repeat pull-through (after failed dilatation). Rectal biopsy results showed aganglionosis in 10, of whom, 8 underwent repeat pull-through, and 2 refused further surgery. Abnormal intestinal motility or intestinal neuronal dysplasia was found proximal to the aganglionic segment in 10 children using colonic and small bowel manometry or laparoscopic biopsies; 4 of these had additional colon resected and repeat pull-through, and 6 were treated with a bowel management routine, cecostomy, or stoma formation. Internal sphincter achalasia was felt to be the primary cause of symptoms in 14, and all were treated with intrasphincteric botulinum toxin. Eight were found not to fall into any of the above groups and were treated medically for presumed functional megacolon; 2 of these ultimately had a colostomy. CONCLUSIONS: An organized approach to the diagnosis and management of obstructive symptoms in a child after a pull-through for HD permits accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in the majority of cases.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del megacolon del adulto / Surgical treatment of the adult megacolon

En un período de 6 años el autor ha manejado quirúrgicamente a 43 pacientes portadores de megacolon del adulto. El motivo de consulta en 21 fue el vólvulo, en 12 el fecaloma, en 9 la constipación pertinaz y en uno el megacolon tóxico. En los 43 pacientes se practicaron dos reacciones serológicas (test de Elisa y reacción de inmunofluorescencia indirecta), certificando la enfermedad de Chagas en 30, con dos falsos negativos (94 por ciento de positividad). El enema baritado practicado en 30, mostró al dolicomegasigmoides como megaformación predominante (53 por ciento). En 32 (74 por ciento) de ellos se demostró una etiología chagásica, en 8 megacolon idiopático, en dos megacolon congénito y en uno secundario al uso crónico de fármacos anticolinérgicos. Se practicaron 22 operaciones de urgencia, en 21 por vólvulo y en uno por megacolon tóxico. En 10 pacientes se practicó destorsión y pexia, en 7 casos operación de Hartmann, en 4 resección anterior como procedimiento definitivo. Treinta y nueve casos fueron operados en forma electiva, 23 casos con técnica de Duhamel, 8 casos con resección anterior baja, 4 con resección anterior y 4 con colectomía total. No hubo morbilidad ni mortalidad en los casos tratados de urgencia. La morbilidad en cirugía electiva está representada por un caso de oclusión intestinal por brida, un caso de absceso presacro y un fecaloma del muñón rectal. Fallecen dos pacientes. El seguimiento es completo en los 43 casos entre 6 y 72 meses. No hubo recidiva

Operación de Duhamel en el tratamiento quirúrgico del megacolon / Duhamel surgery for the treatment of megacolon

Se presenta la experiencia personal en el tratamiento quirúrgico del megacolon del adulto con la operación de Duhamel. Entre abril del 93 y enro del 98 se practicaron 20 operaciones de Duhamel, 12 con la modificación de Haddad y 8 con anastomosis primaria manual más apertura del tabique colorrectal con sutura mecánica lineal cortante. Se trata de 11 mujeres y 9 hombres, con edades extremas de 25 y 83 años. El motivo de consulta en 9 fue el fecaloma, en 7 el vólvulo y en 4 la constipación pertinaz. Ocho pacientes tenían antecedentes de una intervención previa. El enema baritado se practicó en 16, mostrando el dolicomegasigmoides como megaformación predominante (62,5 por ciento). En 17 (85 por ciento) de ellos se demostró una etiología chagásica, en 2 megacolon idiopático y en 1 megacolon congénito. No hubo mortalidad. La morbilidad específica está representada por 1 caso de abceso presacro que requirió de una colostomía para su manejo y 1 fecaloma del muñón rectal. Es seguimiento es completo en los 20 casos entre 6 y 62 meses. El hábito defecatorio es normal en todos, sin alteraciones de la continencia. No hubo recidiva

Radiografia simples de abdômen versus enema opaco no diagnóstico de megacólon em pacientes com fecaloma / Plain abdominal films versus barium enema in diagnosis of megacolon in patients with fecaloma

O trabalho consiste em avaliar a necessidade do enema opaco para diagnóstico de megacólon em vinte e cinco pacientes com fecaloma. O presente estudo foi realizado no Serviço de Cirurgia Colorretal do Hospital Geral Roberto Santos. Dos pacientes, 13 (cinquenta e dois por cento) eram do sexo feminino e 12 (quarenta e oito por cento), masculinos; a idade variou de 17 a 86 anos, com média de 57 anos. Dezenove (setenta e seis por cento) dos pacientes apresentavam sorologia positiva para a Doença de Chagas, 02 (oito por cento) com sorologia negativa e 04 (dezesseis por cento) näo haviam realizado o exame. O diagnóstico de megacólon foi dado em 10 (quarenta por cento) dos pacientes através do enema opaco e em 15 (sessenta por cento) foi sugerido através de radiografia simples do abdômen, quando portadores de fecaloma. Dos pacientes com megacólon sugerido pela radiografia simples de abdômen, 12 (oitenta por cento) foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico, sendo o diagnóstico confirmado em todos os casos. No nosso estudo, o enema opaco mostrou-se dispensável para o diagnóstico de megacólon em pacientes com fecaloma, evidenciado à radiografia simples de abdômen

Megacystis and megacolon in an infant with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

We report a 14 month old male infant with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome who became 'anuric' due to an acutely dilated urinary bladder. Although the patient was also found to have megacolon, no diverticulum was seen in his gastrointestinal tract or urinary bladder. In order to decompress the urinary bladder and colonic wall, we put an indwelling urinary catheter in place for 2 months, and carried out daily glycerin enema for 3 months. All urological and gastrointestinal symptoms subsided with this intensive medical treatment. The diagnosis of megacystis and megacolon was made very early in life for this patient. This may indicate that the striking extension of gastrointestinal and bladder wall may lead to the development of diverticula of gastrointestinal and urinary tracts in later life.

Megasigmoid: a source of pseudoincontinence in children with repaired anorectal malformations.

Three children with a history of anorectal malformation repairs were referred to the authors for evaluation and management of fecal incontinence. Their ages ranged from 5 to 7 years. On examination, all the children had fecal impaction and localized dilatation of the rectosigmoid colon. Medical treatment was tried but failed to control the symptoms, and the patients frequently had to be hospitalized for disimpaction. To correct this problem, the authors resected the dilated sigmoid colon, anastomosing the nondilated descending colon to the rectal ampulla, which was preserved to serve as a reservoir. Postoperatively, constipation was cured in all patients. In addition the patients became fecally continent postoperatively, which was an unexpected bonus. The authors believe that localized dilatation of the rectosigmoid should always be considered whenever a child is having intractable constipation after repair of an anorectal malformation and that sigmoid resection may be considered as a therapeutic alternative. Segmental dilatation of the sigmoid colon may be a source of fecal pseudoincontinence and, therefore, should be ruled out when the surgeon is evaluating patients with fecal incontinence.

Incidência de megacólon sintomático em portadores de megaesôfago chagásico / Incidence of symptomatic megacolon in patients with chagasic megaesophagus

Os autores analisam a incidência de megacólon associado a megaesôfago num período de sete anos. Entre 192 portadores de megaesôfago foram investigados, através de enema opaco, apenas os doentes que apresentavam sintomas sugerindo comprometimento intestinal. Foram diagnosticados 15 casos (7,8%) desta associaçäo. Entre o grupo com megaesôfago e o grupo com a associaçäo megaesôfago e megacólon, näo foram encontradas diferenças significativas quanto ao sexo e idade dos pacientes e grau de megaesôfago. Os sintomas esofágicos, no momento do diagnóstico, precederam os intestinais em 93,3% dos doentes. O tratamento foi variado, mas recentemente, os autores obtiveram bons resultados com o tratamento simultâneo, através de cardiomiotomia de Heller com técnica de Lortat-Jacob modificada e hemicolectomia esquerda

[Incidence of symptomatic megacolon in patients with chagasic megaesophagus]. / Incidência de megacólon sintomático em portadores de megaesôfago chagásico.

The authors analyze the incidence of megacolon associated to megaesophagus during a 7 year period. Of the 192 patients with megaesophagus only 15 who presented associated intestinal symptoms were further investigated through barium enema. No statistically significant differences were found between the group with megaesophagus and the group presenting association of megaesophagus and megacolon as to sex and age of the individuals and severity of megaesophagus. The esophageal symptoms preceded the intestinal symptoms in 93.3% of the cases. Many treatments were used, but recently good results were obtained by the association of Heller's cardiomyotomy with modified Lortat-Jacob's technique and left hemicolectomy.

Edema submucoso ("urticaria de cólon") no megacólon chagásico / Submucosal edema (\"urticaria of the colon\") in chagasic megacolon

O edema submucoso apresenta-se no enema, como pequenas elevaçöes achatadas da mucosa. Na literatura, em princípio, esses achados foram correlacionados com fenômenos alérgicos, daí serem relatados como "urticária de cólon". Estudos subsequentes demonstraram que esse padräo era secundário a isquemia. Várias patologias cólicas, como carcinoma, diverticulite, hérnia, estenose, aganglionose, etc., que apresentavam edema submucoso por isquemia cólica secundária a dilataçäo de alças, foram relatadas com o padräo de edema submucoso. Os autores apresentam três casos de pacientes portadores de megacólon chagásico, com aspecto radiológico semelhante de mucosa

[Functional megacolon in children]. / Megacolon functionale u dzieci.

The author discusses a group of 21 children (15 boys and % girls aged between 4 and 16 years) with diagnosed syndrome of the functional megacolon. Possible causes of the chronic constipation which could lead to the functional megacolon have been analysed. The treatment--preceded by the detailed analysis of anamnesis and laboratory tests (rectoscopy and contrast medium enema)--included: enemas washing out the colon, emollient and laxative agents, fiber-rich diet, and instructions on the proper defecation. Excellent therapeutical results seem to result from the detailed explanation of causes of the functional megacolon. It has enabled to avoid surgical treatment which should be carried out in these cases in which long-term conservative treatment failed.