Clinical Results of Subtotal Colectomy in Chronic Constipation Patients

Nam, Kee Hyun; Sohn, Seung Kook

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of subtotal colectomy on patients with a diagnosis of chronic constipation.
METHODS
A retrospective review of 11 consecutive patients who underwent subtotal colectomy between January 1990 and July 1999 was undertaken. Preoperative testings included complete history and physical examination, anorectal manometry, videodefecography, and colonic transit studies.
RESULTS
The 11 patients consisted of 5 men and 6 women, with a mean age of 44 (range, 25~62) years. The most common symptom was inability to defecation and mean duration of this symptom was 13.6 (range, 0.75~45) years. Ten patients had slow colon transit and one patient had normal colon transit with anismus. All patients were followed up for mean duration of 33 (range, 5~120) months. Mean bowel frequency was 4 times per day after colectomy. Nine patients were satisfied with the results of surgery and showed improvement in quality of life. One patient was less satisfied due to diarrhea even with several times bowel movement per day. One patient felt that the operation was not so effective due to incontinence for liquid stool and 7 bowel movement per day. Three patients frequently used antidiarrheal medication after surgery. Three patients had postoperative small bowel obstruction and were treated without surgery.
CONCLUSION
Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis produces a satisfactory functional outcome in the majority of patients with proven slow transit constipation.