Functional results after subtotal colectomy and caecorectal anastomosis.

Subtotal colectomy, preserving the ileocaecal valve and caecum, and caecoproctostomy has been recommended by some authors in the past and hypothetically it is a good a priori argument on the grounds of function for its use. The procedure has been employed in nine patients on different indications and the functional results assessed. When employed for treatment of chronic constipation or diverticular disease of the colon the functional results were poor. If the operation should be used at all it should probably be restricted to patients with an otherwise normal colorectal function. Even when employed on these indications, bowel habits differ little from those experienced by patients with a conventional ileorectal anastomosis.