Stercoral perforation of the colon: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A case of stercoral ulceration with perforation in a colostomy patient is presented, and the literature of stercoral ulcers is reviewed. Significant features of this illness include preceding history of constipation, its presentation as an acute abdomen, radiologic signs of a perforated viscus, and a distinctive histologic picture. Treatment of choice is surgery with exteriorization and colostomy. The condition is rate and has a high mortality, although preoperative diagnosis may play a role in greater survival.