Temporary cecostomy as a life saving measure for functional obstruction secondary to neutropenic colitis

We describe a unique case of emergency percutaneous cecostomy for functional obstruction because of severe neutropenic colitis of the sigmoid colon. The cecum was fixed with four T-fasteners designed for gastropexy during radiological gastrostomy, and a large gastrostomy feeding tube was inserted. Drainage of fecal matter was difficult and intermittent; however, it allowed sufficient decompression of the bowel to prevent perforation until the neutropenic colitis resolved. In the absence of dedicated drainage systems for the bowel, standard gastrostomy kits can be used as an emergency measure in life-threatening large bowel obstructions if surgical options or stenting are inappropriate.
Source: Gastrointestinal Intervention - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research