[Tactics and operative methods in treating complicated colorectal cancer]

Over the period 1993-1998, a total of 385 patients with complicated colorectal cancer are subjected to treatment in the clinic of emergency surgery--University Hospital "Queen Giovanna", Sofia. Obturation is the commonest form of complication--43.8 per cent, perforation within the tumor or diastasis noted in 27 cases (7.01%), paratumor abscesses and infiltrates--in 8.3 per cent and rectohemorrhage--in 4.2 per cent. The therapeutic and operative approach, and the scope of surgery are dependent on a multitude of factors which should be given due consideration by the surgeon. In each patient presenting complicated colorectal carcinoma it is mandatory to make a precise and individual choice of the extent of operative intervention, consistent with the patient's general condition and contributing to eliminate the life-endangering underlying cause.