Ileocolic ulceration: a long-term complication following ileocolic anastomosis

The long-term complications of loose stools and failure to thrive following resection of the ileocecal region with end-to-end ileocolic or jejunocolic anastomosis are well recognized. We report four cases of a previously undescribed insidious complication that has developed in 8% of our patients after a latent period of many years following the primary operation; that of perianastomotic ulceration leading to severe iron deficiency anemia.