A technique for rapid intubation of the sigmoid and left colon

Repeated endoscopic intubation of the left colon resulted in decompression of the cecum in all four patients with pseudo-obstruction of the colon complicating critical illnesses. The technique involved fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy and placement of a large-bore tube above the sigmoid flexures under visual control. The technique is rapid, safe and readily repeatable and deserves a trial prior to undertaking cecostomy.