[Colitis in the non-functioning rectosigmoid after establishment of an end-sigmoid colostomy]

In 11 patients with a sigmoid end colostomy (and one additional patient with an end ileostomy), we examined the endoscopic and microscopic aspects of both the dysfunctioned bowel and the colon proximal to the colostomy. The latter showed in none of the cases signs of inflammation, while in 7 patients a remarkable or even severe colitis (mimicking ulcerative colitis) could be demonstrated endoscopically and/or histologically - irrespective to the duration of the dysfunction (one month up til 11 years). In the four patients with restoration of the intestinal continuity, macroscopic and microscopic findings of the rectal mucosa became normal as soon as two weeks after reoperation. We conclude, that the "dysfunctioned bowel-colitis" is somehow related to the mucosa's contact to the fecal stream.