Caecal rupture due to colonic ileus.

Caecal rupture due to colonic ileus is rare and has a mortality rate of 43 per cent. Three new cases are presented and the 18 previously reported cases are reviewed. The disease has always occurred in association with another illness, has usually afflicted patients over the age of 55 and has only resulted when the caecum was at least 9 cm in diameter. The technique of 'blow-hole' caecostomy, a method for decompressing the distended caecum, is described.