[Spontaneous perforation of the colon in patients in hemodialysis]

Two cases of spontaneous perforation of the colon in hemodialysed patients have thus far been published. Our observation of 5 new cases seems to indicate that this complication is more frequent in hemodialysed patients than in patients without renal failure (27 cases in the literature). An abnormal tissue fragility and very hard fecal masses appear to be responsible for this dangerous complication. The association of aluminium hydroxyde and substances with antiperistaltic effect should be avoided, and constipation must be alleviated.