[Diagnosis and therapy of severe acute colitis, still an open issue. Our experience]

From a review of a series of 12 cases of whom 52 operated and of the literature, the Authors discuss about aetiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of severe colitis. Clinical and laboratory findings, CT and plain films of the abdomen and at last colonoscopy should be evaluated very carefully for certainty diagnosis of a severe acute colitis or toxic megacolon. They suggest a multidisciplinary approach as fundamental for medical management, for indications and correct timing of surgical procedures and to decrease postoperative morbility and mortality. Total colectomy with ileostomy is recommended in emergency surgical treatment of this colonic acute diseases, whereas for urgency operation, performed not later than 48-72 hour of adequate medical treatment, colectomy is suggested with ileorectal or ileoanal anastomosis and ileostomy.