A CLINICAL STUDY OF IDIOPATHIC PERFORATION OF THE COLON

Idiopathic perforation of the colon is relatively uncommon. If it develops septicemia, the prognosis is poor. From April 1982 to October 1989, 8 such cases were experienced at the department. In this series 4 perforations were found in the sigmoid colon, 2 in the rectum, 1 in the transverse colon and 1 in the cecum. In the preoperative laboratory findings, 5 cases (62.5%) showed leucopenia, and on the contrary, leucocytosis was seen in only 1 case (12.5%). The following operative methods were selected: exteriorization in 4 cases, Hartmann's operation in 3 cases, and primary closure of the perforated site combined with sigmoidostomy in 1 case. Two cases (25%) were died of septic shock in an early postoperative period. In the treatment of idiopathic perforation of the colon, early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are essential to obtaining good operative results.