Background: The treatment of slow-transit constipation combined with outlet obstruction is controversial. Subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis is regarded as a safe and effective surgical option for refractory constipation.
Purpose: The clinical and morphologic outcomes of patients who underwent subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis for refractory mixed constipation were prospectively evaluated.
Design: This study is a nonrandomized, prospective review of gathered data.
Setting: This investigation was conducted at a tertiary-care GI surgical center in China.
Patients: The study prospectively included 42 consecutive patients with refractory constipation who were diagnosed with obstructed defecation syndrome combined with slow colon transit.
Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes measured were the Longo obstructive defecation syndrome score and the Wexner constipation scale. The pelvic morphologic changes were determined with defecography before surgery and at 6 and 24 months after surgery.
Results: A significant reduction in the Wexner constipation score was observed between baseline (median 24) and 6 months (median 10), which was maintained until 24 months (median 8, compared with baseline, p < 0.01). Improvement in the constipation score was matched by an overall improvement in the Longo obstructive defecation syndrome score at the 6- and 24-month follow-up times (compared with baseline, p < 0.01). In 17 of 21 patients, preexisting intussusception was no longer visible during defecography. Rectoceles were significantly reduced in depth, from 36 mm to 8 mm (p < 0.01), whereas the number of detectable rectoceles was also significantly decreased, from 29 to 7 (p < 0.01). Incomplete evacuation disappeared in 28 of 38 patients. No stenosis was observed at the colorectal posterior side-to-side anastomosis. Most complications were managed conservatively without significant events.
Limitations: This study was performed in selected patients with constipation and did not include a comparison group.
Conclusions: Subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis can correct pelvic anatomical disorders in patients with mixed refractory constipation. The clinical improvement of obstructed defecation syndrome after subtotal colectomy with colorectal anastomosis is highly correlated with the morphologic correction of the rectal redundancy.