[Complications of idiopathic chronic colitis]

The Authors reviews the acute and chronic complications of chronic idiopathic colitis in a series of 112 cases of his own observation. He discusses perforation, toxic megacolon and massive hemorrhage in terms of their pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures and incidence in the course of ulcerative colorectitis (Crohn's disease). He deals to some length with surgical indications and the choice of operation, both being the subject of considerable controversy, and he outlines his own views in the matter. Among chronic local complications he lists benign stenosis, pseudopolyposis, and fistulization; all of which, unlike neoplastic complications, seldom require surgery.