Convulsions complicating colectomy in inflammatory bowel disease.

Convulsions have complicated the surgical management of life-threatening inflammatory bowel disease in five patients. These patients experienced a transient, generalized convulsive disorder and toxic ambylopia. Results of neurological examination were unremarkable. Treatment included metabolic stabilization along with the administration of oxygen and anticonvulsive medication. Various factors, such as hypoxia, fluid overload, cerebral edema, steroid administration, and deficits in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, may have contributed to the cause of this complication.