[Carcinoma of the splenic flexure]

The Authors report their experience in the management of 25 cancers of the splenic flexure corresponding to 4.8% of large bowel cancers overall observed. Twelve patients underwent elective surgery consisting in a left hemicolectomy, which in 1 of the 12 cases required an associated distal splenopancreatectomy. Operative mortality was null, whereas morbidity involved 1 case of anastomotic dehiscence. Thirteen patients presenting with complete obstruction underwent emergency surgery: a two-stage resection with primary colostomy was performed in 5 cases, a sub-total colectomy with one-stage ileo-rectal anastomosis or ileo-sigmoid anastomosis was performed in 8 cases. In this last group of 8 patients mortality rate was 12.5% (1 pt.) and diarrhoea was the most important sequela. On this regard the Authors point out the opportunity to perform an ileo-sigmoidostomy, which reduces the incidence of such complication.