Videoproctography in selecting patients with constipation for colectomy

The results of colectomy for constipation based only on evidence of delayed colonic markers have been disappointing. The operation may fail because these patients are unable to evacuate the rectum owing to outlet obstruction. In the present study, we have used a combination of videoproctography and transit marker studies in an attempt to predict patients who will have a favorable outcome after colectomy by excluding patients with outlet obstruction. Videoproctography was performed in 228 patients referred for consideration of surgery for constipation. Only 111 (38 percent) had a normal proctogram with complete evacuation of liquid barium. Of these 111 patients, 21 (19 percent) had delayed colonic marker studies. Colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis were performed in 18 of these 21 patients; two years later, 16 were symptom free, with a median daily bowel frequency of four (range, two to six). The remaining two patients failed to respond to surgery. These data suggest that true idiopathic, slow-transit constipation is uncommon, but, when identified on the basis of delayed markers and the ability to expel liquid on proctography, an excellent result can be anticipated from colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis.