Stercoral perforation of the rectosigmoid

Abstract

Stercoral perforation of the rectosigmoid is an extremely rare cause of acute abdomen. The 64 reported cases in the surgical literature are reviewed to define the clinical characteristics of Stercoral perforation and to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment. In order to develop stercoral ulceration, the presence of faecal mass is necessary to initiate the ischaemic pressure necrosis. Recognition of the disease involves a segment of colon rather than only the focal point of perforation is essential to adequate surgical treatment. This finding is the reason for the higher postoperative mortality following closure of the perforation and proximal colostomy or exteriorization alone. Therefore, resection of the involved colonie segment is the treatment of choice.