[Sigmoiditis with lower rectal and perirectal development]. / Sigmoïdites à évolution basse rectale et péri-rectale.

ABSTRACT

Lesions of sigmoiditis do not extend beyond the recto-sigmoid junction and Douglas' pouch. However, in 9 out of 271 patients operated upon for sigmoiditis the lesions invaded the rectum either anteriorly by perforating Douglas' pouch, or around it and posteriorly through the meso-rectum. These cases of "lower" sigmoiditis have several features in common a long history of infection, frequent haemorrhages and fistulae, pseudo-tumoral lesions, sometimes very large, detectable by rectal palpation. Surgery is indicated only in cases with serious complications, since many technical problems may be encountered. Wide resection of the rectum followed by low-sited anastomosis ensure stable results.