Intraoperative colonic irrigation in the management of left sided large bowel emergencies in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and benefits of antegrade intraoperative colonic irrigation (lavage) and primary anastomosis, after colonic resection, in the treatment of left sided large bowel emergencies.


METHODS
A prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.


METHODS
Thirty seven patients with an average age of 44.86 +/- 16.15 years.


METHODS
Sigmoid colectomy was performed in twenty two sigmoid volvulus, five sigmoid cancer, two faecal fistulae and one sigmoid injury. Left hemicolectomy was offered in four descending colon cancer, one descending colon injury, while anterior resection was carried out in two rectal cancers. Primary anastomosis was performed after intraoperative colonic lavage.


RESULTS
The operative mortality was 2.7%, anastomotic leakage rate 2.7% and superficial wound infection occurred in 10.81%. The average duration of hospital stay was 22.76 +/- 11.26 days. Intraoperative colonic lavage added 35.79 +/- 7.25 minutes to the operating time.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that intraoperative colonic lavage is an effective method enabling the surgeon to perform a primary anastomosis with reasonable safety after emergency resection of selected distal colonic lesions.
Sule
A
A
Department of Surgery, Jos University Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 2076, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Obepka
P O
PO
Iya
D
D
Ogbonna
B
B
Momoh
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects*