Subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia

The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of subtotal colectomy for colonic inertia (idiopathic slow transit constipation) that was resistant to laxative treatment. Twenty-four patients, 19 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 37 years, underwent subtotal colectomy with ileorectal or ascendo-rectal anastomosis. All patients were available for follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 23 months. Bowel frequency was significantly increased from 1.4+/-0.9 times per week to 22.8+/-9 times per week (average 3.2/day) after surgery (P <0.0001). The incidence of abdominal pain was decreased from 75% to 17%, as well as the severity (P <0.0001). Two patients who underwent ascendo-rectal anastomosis developed recurrent constipation. Two patients used antidiarrheal medication regularly. There was no major postoperative morbidity. Five patients were re-admitted due to small bowel obstruction; four received successful conservative management, and one required enterolysis. 'Excellent' or 'good' outcomes were reported by 21 patients (87.5%). Subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis produces satisfactory results in the majority of patients with proven colonic inertia.