Emergency colorectal surgery: our results and complications

Abstract

Background: Emergency surgery for obstruction, perforation and massive bleeding represent 10%-40% of all colorectal operations.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of a series of 170 patients operated on in the period from 1.1.1988 to 31.12.1993.

Results: 170 (12.5%) of 1363 patients with colorectal pathology needed urgent surgery: 121 (71.2%) for obstruction, 39 (22.9%) for perforation and 10 (5.9%) for massive bleeding, with mortality rate 17.6% (30 patients). 116 (68.2%) underwent one-stage procedure with mortality rate 9.5% (11 patients), 36 (21.2%) patients underwent two-stage procedure with mortality rate 27.8% (10 patients) and 18 (10.6%) patients other procedures. 115 (67.7%) of 170 patients had malignant disease; 92/115 (80.0%) underwent one-stage procedure with mortality rate 10.9% (10 patients), 7 (6.1%) patients two-stage procedure with mortality rate 14.3% (1 patient) and 16 (13.9%) other palliative procedures (by bass, stoma).

Conclusion: We believe one-stage procedure is the method of choice for the most colorectal emergencies.