Primary repair of iatrogenic colonic perforations in unprepared colon--a report of five cases.

Abstract

Primary repair of iatrogenic colonic perforations sustained during pelvic surgery was successfully undertaken in five consecutive cases who did not receive pre-operative bowel preparation. A proximal diverting colostomy was not performed following the repair. There were no instances of intra-abdominal abscess or colonic fistulation. One case developed wound infection. Post-operative recovery in all cases were mostly uneventful with a mean post-operative ileus of four days and a stay of ten days. Primary repair of iatrogenic colonic perforations in unprepared colon can be safely undertaken without a proximal diverting colostomy with acceptable morbidity.