[Coecal complications in distal colonic obstruction (author's transl)]

Construction and function of the colon leads to dysfunction of the coecal region as a result of obstruction of the distal part of the colon. Painful coecal distension, ischaemic inflammatory bowel-wall disturbancy, perforation, or secondary appendicitis are the most frequent complications. Because of these complications, the real origin of the illness is often micjudged. In diagnosing appendicitis in the aged patient, distal colonic stenosis should be considered and, if possible, excluded. 6 cases of coecal complications (6,3%) in 96 patients with distal colonic cancer were observed.