Routine group and save screening prior to emergency laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Two group and save (G&S) samples are routinely collected from patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy and/or emergency appendicectomy. We aimed to identify the necessity of this practice by looking at the perioperative transfusion rates. METHODS: Data were obtained from our electronic theatre system for all patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery (specifically diagnostic laparoscopy and/or laparoscopic appendicectomy) between January 2017 and December 2018. Records were reviewed for the number of G&S samples sent and perioperative transfusion rates. RESULTS: A total of 451 patients were included in the study. The numbers of procedures performed in 2017 and 2018 were 202 (44.8%) and 249 (55.2%), respectively. The total number of samples sent was 930. Only 786 (84.5%) samples were processed and the rest were rejected for various reasons. Of the 451 patients included in the study, 308 (68.3%) had two G&S samples sent, whereas 41 patients (9.1%) had only one G&S sample sent. Fifty-six (12.4%) and 20 (4.4%) patients had three and four G&S samples sent, respectively. Only two patients required transfusion perioperatively (0.4%), and the indication in both was irrelevant to the primary operation. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a near-zero transfusion rate in this patient cohort. Omitting G&S is safe and potentially saves time and resources.

Reconstrução mamária com loja de retalho retropeitoral superior e subcutâneo misto inferior / Breast reconstruction with creation of upper retropectoral and lower mixed subcutaneous cavities and use of flaps

Introdução: Segundo dados do Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA) de 2016, estima-se em 57.960 novos casos de câncer de mama no Brasil, o que corresponde a 25% dentre todos os tipos de cânceres no país (excluindo-se os tumores de pele não melanoma). O presente artigo visa apresentar uma forma de abordagem para as reconstruções mamárias imediatas com loja retropeitoral superior e subcutânea mista inferior. Métodos: Os autores descrevem da técnica de reconstrução mamária com retalho do músculo peitoral e pedículo cutâneo inferior, associado à inclusão de implante mamário de silicone. Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de prontuários das pacientes operadas entre os anos 2012 e 2016 no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica da clínica privada do autor sênior, no Hospital Daher e no Hospital das Forças Armadas. Resultados: Os resultados são satisfatórios, com baixos índices de complicações e com satisfação elevada para os pacientes e os autores. Trinta e seis pacientes foram submetidas à reconstrução mamária com a técnica descrita, com média de idade de 59 anos. As complicações apresentadas foram necrose de complexo areolopapilar, deiscência, seroma, hematoma, liponecrose, deslocamento do implante e trombose venosa profunda. Nenhuma paciente teve necessidade de resgate da reconstrução ou apresentou recidiva da neoplasia mamária durante o período do estudo. Conclusão: Trata-se de técnica que preserva a pele da mama em sua parte inferior, com baixa possibilidade de deiscência ou extrusão do implante nesta região, proporcionando uma dupla proteção deste implante com o músculo peitoral maior nos dois terços superiores e o retalho cutâneo-dermogorduroso no terço inferior, caracterizando um "dual-plane".

Introduction: A total of 57,960 new cases of breast cancer were expected in Brazil in 2016 according to data from the National Cancer Institute, corresponding to 25% of cancers in the country (excluding non-melanoma skin tumors). This study aims at presenting a surgical approach for immediate breast reconstructions with upper retropectoral and lower mixed subcutaneous cavities. Methods: The authors performed breast reconstruction using flaps of the pectoral muscle and inferior cutaneous pedicle associated with insertion of silicone breast implants. The medical records of patients operated between 2012 and 2016 at the Plastic Surgery Service of the senior author's private clinic at Daher Hospital and Armed Forces Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The results were satisfactory, with low complication rates and high patient and author satisfaction. Thirty-six patients, with a mean age of 59 years, underwent breast reconstruction using the described technique. The complications were nipple-areola complex necrosis, dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, liponecrosis, implant displacement, and deep venous thrombosis. No patient needed salvage surgery or had recurrence of mammary neoplasia during the study period. Conclusion: The present technique preserves the skin located at the lower portion of the breast, with a low risk of dehiscence or extrusion of the implant in this region, providing a double protection of the implant, with the pectoralis major muscle in the upper two thirds and the cutaneous-dermis-fat flap in the lower third, characterizing a "dual-plane" positioning.

The Influence of Preoperative Symptoms on the Death of Patients with Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs) are uncommon tumors with an annual incidence of about 1 per 100,000. Usually, SI-NETs have a slow progression, and patients often present with generalized disease. Many patients do well, and the disease has a relatively favorable 5-year survival rate. Some SI-NETs, however, have a more negative prognosis. This study aimed to establish prognostic factors for death identifiable at primary surgery. METHODS: A nested case-control study investigated 1150 patients from the cohort of all patients with a diagnosis of SI-NETs in Sweden between 1961 and 2001. The study cases consisted of all patients who died of SI-NETs during the study period. Each case was assigned a control subject matched by age at diagnosis and calendar period. Possible prognostic factors [gender, degree of symptoms, indication for surgery, World Health Organization (WHO) stage] were evaluated in uni- and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: The patients with symptomatic disease had an increased risk of dying. The indication for primary surgery influenced survival, showing a more negative prognosis for elective surgery. The WHO stage influenced survival, and stage 4 patients had an almost threefold risk of dying compared with stages 1 to 3b patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that preoperative symptoms are important in prognostication for SI-NETs. Hormonal symptoms generally signify a patient with a more advanced disease stage and a worse prognosis. Including symptomatic disease together with the WHO stage and grade could possibly increase the accuracy of prognostication.

Manejo clinicoquirúrgico de la anoftalmia y de la microftalmia congénitas / Clinical and surgical management of congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia

La anoftalmia y la microftalmia congénitas son defectos oculares poco frecuentes, generalmente identificados en el momento del nacimiento, como resultado de alteraciones en la organogénesis del ojo a consecuencia de la acción de factores genéticos y ambientales durante el desarrollo embrionario. Estas anomalías provocan grave discapacidad visual a las personas que la padecen, por lo que generan gran repercusión en el ámbito psicosocial. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoz permitirán la estimulación visual a edad temprana, la corrección parcial o total de la anomalía y una mejor calidad de vida de estos pacientes, aun cuando no sea posible evitar la ceguera. La conducta ante estas afecciones es compleja y controversial; constituyen un reto para el cirujano oculoplástico y para el protesista. Por esta razón se decide realizar una revisión bibliográfica para profundizar en el adecuado manejo clinicoquirúrgico de estas anomalías(AU)

Congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia are infrequent ocular defects at the time of birth as a result of alterations in the organ genesis of the eye caused by the action of genetic and/or environmental factors during the embryonic development. These anomalies bring about serious visual impairment to people who suffer it and have great impact on the psychosocial context. Early diagnosis and treatment allows visual stimulation at younger ages, partial or total correction of the anomaly and a better quality of life for these patients, even when it is not possible to avoid blindness. The behavior before these affections is complex and controversial; it represents a challenge for the oculoplasty surgeon and the prosthesis specialist. The objective of this literature review was to delve into the adequate clinical and surgical management of these anomalies(AU)

Infiltración traqueal por carcinoma tiroideo diferenciado / Tracheal Infiltration by Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

La invasión traqueal por carcinomas tiroideos bien diferenciados es poco frecuente y la técnica quirúrgica a realizar todavía es motivo de controversia entre los cirujanos. El objetivo del artículo fue revisar la literatura disponible sobre la invasión traqueal por carcinomas diferenciados del tiroides. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en PubMed/Medlinede la literatura relacionada con la invasión traqueal por carcinomas diferenciados del tiroides(2000 - 2016). Se utilizaron las siguientes palabras y frases clave en inglés: thyroid, carcinoma, differentiated thyroid cancer, tracheal invasión y las correspondientes a su traducción al español. No se encontraron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. La mayoría de los artículos fueron de carácter retrospectivo. Se evaluaron las características clínicas de la lesión y los métodos de diagnóstico: laringotraqueoscopia, citología aspirativa y estudios imaginológicos. Se definieron las indicaciones quirúrgicas y los cuidados de anestesiología. Por último, se realizóla discusión crítica de los métodos de diagnóstico y de las técnicas quirúrgicas utilizadas y el valor e indicación de cada una de estas. El cuadro clínico, la traqueoscopia, la imaginología y el estudio citopatológico son fundamentales para establecer el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Siempre que sea posible,la resección circunferencial de la tráquea debe ser la técnica de elección en el tratamiento de pacientes afectados por infiltración traqueal por carcinomas tiroideos diferenciados(AU)

Tracheal invasion by differentiated thyroid carcinomas is rare and surgical technique to be performed is still controversial among surgeons. The aim of this article was to review the available literature on the tracheal invasion by differentiated thyroid carcinomas. A literature review on the literature related to tracheal invasion by differentiated thyroid carcinomas (- 2016 2000) was performed in PubMed / MEDLINE. The following keywords and phrases in English were used: thyroid, carcinoma, differentiated thyroid cancer, tracheal invasion and their corresponding translation into Spanish. No randomized clinical trials were found. Most articles were retrospective. Clinical characteristics of this lesion and its diagnostic methods were evaluated: laryngo-tracheoscopy, aspiration cytology, and imaging studies: clinical characteristics of the lesion and diagnostic methods were evaluated. Surgical indications and anesthesiology care were defined. Finally, a critical discussion was made on the diagnostic methods and surgical techniques used and the value and indication of each. The clinical condition, the tracheoscopy, imaging and cytopathology study are essential to establish the preoperative diagnosis. Wherever possible, the circumferential resection of the trachea should be the technique of choice in the treatment of patients with tracheal infiltration by differentiated thyroid carcinomas(AU)

Increased utilization, verification, and clinical implications of immunocytochemistry: Experience in a northern New England hospital.

BACKGROUND: We report our experience in utilization, verification, and clinical implications of antibodies for use in diagnostic immunocytochemistry (ICC). METHODS: A computer search identified cytology cases utilizing ICC and corresponding surgical pathology material. Alcohol-fixed liquid based cytology (LBC) specimens were generated from surgical pathology bench specimens. ICC on LBC and immunohistochemistry on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) were performed in parallel for 71 commonly used antibodies. Cytology and corresponding surgical pathology reports were reviewed for all cases in which antibodies failed verification studies but had been used in the four years prior to implementation of our verification process. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2011, the number of cytology cases in which ICC was performed increased from 98 (or 5% of all non-Pap test/nonurine cytology cases in our laboratory) to 306 (or 15%). Verification studies revealed calretinin, CD5, c-kit/CD117, inhibin, napsin A, OCT 3/4, and PAX-5 to be nonreliable in LBC despite consistent immunoreactivity in concurrent IHC on surgical specimens. No antibodies were found to be immunoreactive on LBC but nonreactive on FFPE. No adverse clinical outcomes resulted from the use of nonverified antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of ICC at our institution has increased dramatically in recent years. Our verification process confirmed reliability in the majority of antibodies, but did identify several inconsistent antibodies. Although, in our series, no adverse clinical outcomes resulted from preverification use of these inconsistent antibodies, we encourage other institutions to confirm reliability of antibodies prior to use for diagnostic ICC.

[Surgical lung biopsy: Indications and therapeutic implications]. / Biopsie pulmonaire chirurgicale : indications et incidences thérapeutiques.

Surgical biopsy of lung parenchyma can be used to establish a diagnosis in interstitial lung disease both of acute and chronic presentation. The present article summarizes the current indications, the therapeutic implications, the different surgical techniques and postoperative complications of the procedure. Common controversies and problems related to surgical lung biopsy are also presented.

Comparative study of nail sampling techniques in onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a common problem. Obtaining accurate laboratory test results before treatment is important in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare results of curettage and drilling techniques of nail sampling in the diagnosis of onychomycosis, and to establish the best technique and location of sampling. We evaluated 60 patients suffering from distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis and lateral subungual onychomycosis using curettage and vertical and horizontal drilling sampling techniques from three different sites of the infected nail. KOH examination and fungal culture were used for detection and identification of fungal infection. At each sample site, the horizontal drilling technique has a better culture sensitivity than curettage. Trichophyton rubrum was by far the most common pathogen detected by both techniques from all sampling sites. The drilling technique was found to be statistically better than curettage at each site of sampling, furthermore vertical drilling from the proximal part of the affected nail was found to be the best procedure for nail sampling. With each technique we found that the culture sensitivity improved as the location of the sample was more proximal. More types of pathogens were detected in samples taken by both methods from proximal parts of the affected nails.

Management of penetrating neck injuries: a new paradigm for civilian trauma.

PURPOSE: Improvements in imaging technology, particularly computed tomographic angiography (CTA), have altered the management of patients with penetrating neck injuries. Although some centers still advocate routine exploration for all zone 2 neck injuries penetrating the platysma, many civilian centers in the United States have adopted a policy of selective exploration based on clinical and radiographic examination. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate our 5-year experience with the management of penetrating neck injuries, to further elucidate the role of CTA in clinical decision-making, and to assess treatment outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-four consecutive patients were identified from the Legacy Emanuel Trauma Registry as having sustained penetrating neck injuries from 2000 to 2005. Using data collected from the Trauma Registry, as well as individual chart notes and electronic records, variables were collected and evaluated including age, gender, mechanism of injury, number of associated injuries, and the Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, initial hematocrit, airway management techniques, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, missed injuries, length of hospital stay, disposition, and outcome. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients met the inclusion criteria, 55 of which had only superficial injuries that did not penetrate the platysma. The primary study group consisted of 65 patients who sustained more significant injuries that violated the platysma including deep, complex, and/or avulsive wounds, vascular injuries, injuries to the aerodigestive tract, musculoskeletal system, cranial nerves, or thyroid gland. The overall mortality rate for the 65 patients with injuries penetrating the platysma was 3.0% (n = 2). Complications occurred in 7 of the surviving 63 patients (10.7%): 2 patients with zone 3 internal carotid artery injuries developed hemispheric ischemic infarcts and hemiplagia; as well as other complications including: infection (n = 2); deep venous thrombosis (n = 1); aspiration pneumonia (n = 1); and hematoma (n = 1). All surviving patients except the 2 stroke patients eventually healed uneventfully without significant functional deficit. The use of CTA as a guide to clinical decision-making led to a significant decrease in the number of neck explorations performed and a virtual elimination of negative neck explorations. CONCLUSION: The management of stable patients with neck injuries that penetrate the platysma has evolved at our institution into selective surgical intervention based on clinical examination and CTA and has resulted in minimal morbidity and mortality.

Prostatectomía radical en cáncer prostático: resumen de una experiencia / Radical prostatectomy in prostatic cancer: summary of an experience

Entre mayo de 1992 y febrero de 1995 un total de 33 pacientes con cánceres prostáticos clínicamente localizados y con linfadenectomía pélvica negativa fueron sometidos a prostatectomía retropúbica radical por considerar que se trataba de casos órgano-confinados. Hay que señalar, no obstante, que el 72,7 porciento de ellos tenían valores de antígeno prostático específico mayores de 10 ng/ml. El estudio histopatológico diferido de las piezas operatorias demostró márgenes con tumor en el 57,6 porciento. Al cabo de un año de observación sólo un tercio de los pacientes controlados tenían valores de antígeno prostático inferior a 4,0 ng/ml

SIDA en un paciente quirurgico, Primer caso diagnosticado in vivo en Tarija / AIDS in a surgical First case diagnosed in an alive patient in Tarija

Se presenta un caso clinico-quirurgico tratado en el Hospital "San Juan de Dios" de Tarija. Se trata de un adulto masculino con absceso en region cervical de origen dentario de evolucion atipica, con sindrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida complicada con supuracion severa, diagnosticado tardiamente y que evoluciono desfavorablemente.

Hernia diafragmática traumática / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

Se registran todos los casos de hernia diafragmática traumática ingresados a nuestro hospital desde el año 1949 a 1992. Se analizan 60 casos. Cincuenta hombres y 10 mujeres, la edad fluctuó de 11 a 74 años con un promedio de 39 años. Un alto índice de sospecha es el elemento más importante para el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Traumatismos penetrantes corresponden al 56,7 por ciento y los cerrados al 43,3 por ciento de los casos. La mayor parte de los traumatismos cerrados fue por accidentes de tránsito y los traumas penetrantes fue por arma blanca. El 93,3 por ciento de las hernias son del hemitórax izquierdo. El 31,7 por ciento de los pacientes se operaron en el primer mes de ocurrido el trauma. Dos pacientes no se operaron. La mortalidad de los ciencuenta y ocho casos operados es de 10,3 por ciento. La vía de acceso de elección en el paciente de urgencia es la abdominal mientras que en las tardías es la torácica

Síndrome de persistencia del conducto de Müller: presentación de un caso / Müller duct persistence syndrome: a case presentation

La diferenciación sexual masculino normal depende por lo menos de dos factores, testosterona y factor inhibidor mülleriano. La ausencia de este último produce una forma rara de pseudohermafroditismo masculino, el síndrome de persistencia del conducto de Müller, o hernia uterina inguinal. Se presenta el caso de un individuo fenotípicamente masculino, sometido a exploración quirúrgica por criptoquirdia bilateral, encontrando útero, trompas de falopio y ambos testículos. Se realizó extirpación de los remanentes müllerianos, orquidectomía derecha y orquidopexia izquierda. Se realiza una revisión de la literatura acerca de la etiología, presentación clínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento de este padecimiento

Estudio comparativo entre biopsia pulmonar a cielo abierto y toracoscópica, como método diagnóstico en neumopatía intersticial difusa / Comparative study between open and thorascopic pulmonar biopsy, as diagnostic method in diffuse interstitial pneumophaty

Se estudiaron 15 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico, funcional y radiológico de neumopatía intersticial difusa, 11 mujeres y 4 hombres de 15 a 40 años. A todos los pacienes se les praticó en el mismo tiempo operatorio, toracoscopia y biopsia pulmonar a cielo abierto (pequeña incisión submamaria). El tejido pulmonar obtenido por biopsia pulmonar se envió a estudio histológico inmediatamente. La biopsia por toracoscopia se colocó en formol y se guardó por dos meses con etiquetas sólo conocidas por un investigador y no por el patólogo. Cuando el patólogo estudió la biopsia por toracoscopia lo hizó en forma ciega e independiente. Se concluyó que la toracoscopia y la biopsia pulmonar a cielo abierto brindan la misma sensibilidad y especificidad

Influencia de los hallazgos quirúrgicos en el pronóstico de la atresia de esófago / Influence of surgical findings in the prognosis of esophageal atresia

Los hallazgos quirúrgicos en la atresia de esófago, han cobrado importancia en el pronóstico y pueden influir en la mortalidad. Durante siete años se registró en 92 pacientes con atresia de esófago con cabo proximal ciego y distal con fístula, la longitud entre segmentos, la calidad y diferencia de calibre, así como el diámetro de la fístula, relacionando todo, con el número de dehiscencias y muertes ocurridas. En el estudio se encontraron como factores significativos una distancia mayor a 1.5 cm para dehiscencia y defunción. También lo fueron la "mala calidad" del cabo distal y la diferencia de calibres de los cabos mayor a tres veces. Se concluye la importancia de estos factores y se recomienda ante su presencia diferir la anastomosis por el riesgo de disrupción y muerte. El número de casos según la clasificación de Waterston fue similar en el grupo dehiscente y sin dehiscencia

Diverticulitis solitaria del ciego / Solitary diverticulitis of the cecum

Se presenta el caso de un divertículo cecal solitario perforado, enfermedad poco frecuente que, en ocasiones, puede confundirse con un carcinoma cecal. La hemicolectomía derecha es un procedimiento que tiene buenos resultados aunque el tratamiento conservador con diverticulectomía simple, cuando el proceso se encuentra limitado, es una variante que debe ser considerada

Cáncer de vesícula biliar durante colecistectomías en el Hospital Regional <> de Veracruz / Gallbladder cancer during cholescystectomy at the regional Hospital of ®Río Blanco¼ in Veracruz

En México la incidencia de cáncer de vesícula bibliar es desconocida. En Estados Unidos de América ocupa el quinto lugar entre los carcinomas de tubo digestivo y tiene una tasa de incidencia anual de 3.5 por 100,000 habitantes. Existen diferencias en la incidencia de esta neoplasia de acuerdo a la región geográfica, el grupo étnico y la población de estudio. En el oeste del estado de Veracruz, recientemente se ha observado un incremento en el número de caso con carcinoma de vesícula biliar. En este trabajo, se analizan de manera retroprospectiva los hallazgos clínicos y demográficos de pacientes con carcinoma de vesícula biliar que acudieron al Hospital Regional ®Río Blanco¼ de la Secretaría de Salud durante el periódo 1986-1987. De un total de 127 pacientes que fueron sometidos a intervención quirúrgica de vesícula y vías biliares, se detectaron 12 pacientes con carcinoma de vesícula biliar. La frecuencia con respecto al total de procedimientos quirúrgicos fue de 9.4 por ciento. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 63 años (extremos 41-87 años); predominó en mujeres con razón 5:1. La presentación clínica más frecuente fue dolor e ictericia, aislados o asociados, en el 67 por ciento. La descripción de estos casos intenta estimular el desarrollo de estudios epidemiológicos para identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a esta neoplasia en el estado de Veracruz

Colecistectomía laparoscópica en colecistitis aguda / Laparoscopic cholecistectomy in acute cholecistitis

Se comunica nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la colecistitis aguda por vía laparoscópica. Se operó a 82 pacientes, pudiendo completarse el procedimiento laparoscópico en 72 de ellos. Se utilizó tanto la técnica francesa como la americana. El tiempo operatorio fue de 90,4 minutos. La estadía hospitalaria postoperatoria fue de 2,87 días. Cuatro pacientes presentaron complicaciones quirúrgicas y 11 complicaciones médicas. Fallece 1 paciente el día 18 postoperatorio por una embolia pulmonar masiva. Los resultados sugieren que esta técnica es una alternativa válida y segura para el tratamiento de la colecistitis aguda

[The degree of agreement of the clinical and the histopathological diagnoses in a tertiary medical care pediatric hospital]. / Grado de concordancia del diagnóstico clínico con el histopatológico en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel de atención médica.

In Pediatric Hospital, from the National Medical Center, of the Mexican Institute of Social Security were analyzed 96 histological pieces: 59 biopsies, 21 surgical material and 16 slides. There were showed the agreement rate between clinical diagnosis and the end histopathological report from the Pathology Department. The higher correlation rate were with biopsies (83%) and surgical material (81%) and the lowest rate were with slides samples (69%). There were not statistical difference in the 3 study groups (P greater than 0.05). The overall concordance with the clinical diagnosis were 82%. The overall concordance with the 3 study groups were 80%. It is concluded what agreement rate was satisfactory in biopsies and surgical material and the agreement rate measure is an actual parameter in evaluation of clinical competence and also in the evaluation of medical care quality.

Laparotomy for fulminant pseudomembranous colitis.

Clostridium difficile-associated pseudomembranous colitis is an increasingly common nosocomial infection that usually responds to oral antibiotics. Presentation as an acute abdomen occurred in 12 patients, leading to 14 laparotomies. A distinctive clinical picture was observed: advanced age, recent treatment with antibiotics, fever, abdominal pain, tenderness, marked leukocytosis, and ileus. Only six of the 12 patients had diarrhea. Five were immunosuppressed. Abdominal computed tomographic scans revealed ascites and a massively thickened colonic wall. All four patients treated by subtotal colectomy survived. Four of 10 patients treated only with laparotomy or segmental colectomy died, four responded to medical therapy, and the conditions of two deteriorated but were salvaged by subtotal colectomy. Early diagnosis via endoscopy or computed tomography should obviate the need for exploratory operations. However, progressive toxic effects indicate failure of medical therapy and the need for subtotal colectomy.