Letter to the Editor

Perforated Stercoral Ulcer of the Sigmoid Colon

Authors: Ioannis S. Hatzaras, MD, Scott Armen, MD, Stanley J. Dudrick, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


Stercoral ulcer formation and perforation of the colon is a rare condition affecting patients with severe chronic constipation. There may be an underestimation of the incidence, since many stercoral ulcer-related colon perforations may be incorrectly identified as spontaneous, idiopathic, or secondary colonic perforations related to diverticulitis, ischemia, etc. We present here two cases and a brief review of the literature.

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References

1. Maurer CA, Renzulli P, Mazzucchelli L, et al. Use of accurate diagnostic criteria may increase incidence of stercoral perforation of the colon. Dis Colon Rectum 2000;43:991–998.
 
2. Serpell JW, Nicholls RJ. Stercoral perforation of the colon. Br J Surg 1990;77:1325–1329.
 
3. Guyton DP, Evans D, Schreiber H. Stercoral perforation of the colon. Concepts of operative management. Am Surg 1985;51:520–522.