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. 2012:2012:176143.
doi: 10.1155/2012/176143. Epub 2012 Jun 17.

Stercoral perforation requiring subtotal colectomy in a patient on methadone maintenance therapy

A Sakharpe  1 , Y K Lee, G Park, V Dy
Affiliations

Stercoral perforation requiring subtotal colectomy in a patient on methadone maintenance therapy

A Sakharpe et al. Case Rep Surg. 2012.

Abstract

Stercoral perforation of the colon is a rare but serious complication of chronic constipation. We present a case of stercoral perforation requiring subtotal colectomy in a 41-year-old female who had been on methadone maintenance for a history of long-term intravenous heroin use. Our case highlights the importance of prompt and thorough surgical intervention in the successful treatment of this rare condition.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT scan of the abdomen with free air (star) and colonic wall thickening (arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2
CT scan of the abdomen with free air (star) and air in bowel wall (arrow).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Resected specimen with multiple large fecaliths of varying size and serosal hemorrhage (arrow) on bowel wall.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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