SIGNIFICANCE OF COLONOFIBERSCOPY FOR ILEUS

From April 1983 to November 1985, we performed colonoscopic examination in 36 cases of ileus. We were able to insert the colonoscope into the ileocaecal region in 63.9% of cases (23/36). No complications were experienced in this study. Adhesive intestinal obstruction was present in 14 cases, 12 (85.7%) of whose obstructive symptoms improved after colonoscopic examination. All cases of sigmoid volvulus were reduced colonoscopically. Case 1.36y/o male. His chief complaints were lower abdominal pain, and on physical examination, there was mild tenderess in the lower abdomen. Colonoscopic findings showed swelling and purulent coated orifice of appendix. Appendicitis was diagnosed. Case 2.83y/o female. She was admitted for abdominal pain and vomiting. Her abdominal X-ray showed niveau of the sigmoid colon. We were able to diagnose and reduce the sigmoid volvulus colon. We were able to diagnose and reduce the sigmoid volvulus colonoscopically. Case 3.64y/o male. He had gastrectomy for cancer five days previously and complained of abdominal distension. His abdominal X-ray showed niveau of the large intestine. Colonoscopy revealed that the large intestine was adhesive and kinking near the splenic flexure. We were able to pass through this point and suck feces and gas from the oral side of the colon. We conclude that colonofiberscopy is highly useful for ileus.