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Neutropenic colitis: a continuing surgical challenge
1Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester, UK.
Background:
Neutropenic colitis is a clinicopathological syndrome characteristically seen as a complication of chemotherapy for haematological malignancy. This review explores the pathogenesis of the condition and appraises the options for management.
Methods:
A Medline search was carried out and all relevant papers were reviewed.
Results:
There are many case reports but few published series, so experience is mainly anecdotal. Both medical and surgical management have been successful; it is not possible to compare treatment groups formally.
Conclusion:
The greater use of aggressive multiagent chemotherapy regimens may increase the frequency with which the condition is encountered. Heightened awareness of neutropenic colitis may prompt diagnosis and a better understanding of the pathophysiology may help guide clinical management.