[Early operation in toxic megacolon complicating ulcerative colitis]

A case report of toxic megacolon complicating ulcerative colitis serves as basis for a discussion of the diagnosis, therapeutic management and assessment of the indications for surgical interference in this condition. In this particular case, colectomy with retention of the rectal stump proved a life-saving measure. The rectal stump had to be removed three months subsequently in view of the persistence of the mucosal pathology.