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We present the sixth reported case of endoscopic electrocoagulation to successfully treat postoperative hemorrhage from a stapled colorectal anastomosis. A literature review revealed 17 patients with postoperative hemorrhage from a combined total of 775 patients (1.8 per cent) after stapled colorectal anastomosis requiring blood transfusion and/or emergency surgery. Twelve of the 17 cases involved a circular stapler (71 per cent) used during an anastomosis to the rectum (69 per cent). Nonoperative therapy was successful in 14 of the 17 patients (82 per cent), using endoscopic electrocoagulation in six patients (43 per cent) and blood transfusion alone in another six patients (43 per cent). In follow-up there was one death (cardiac) and two anastomotic fistulas (one requiring temporary colostomy) in the nonoperative group. Both anastomotic fistulas occurred following hemorrhage from an anastomosis to the rectum using the circular stapler, one after endoscopic electrocoagulation and the second after blood transfusion alone. In summary, postoperative hemorrhage from a stapled colorectal anastomosis, although rare, is most likely to occur in a colorectal anastomosis constructed with the circular stapler. Nonoperative treatment is usually successful. Endoscopic electrocoagulation may be safely and effectively used in the early postoperative period to cease unremitting anastomotic hemorrhage.

Spontaneous ureterocolic fistula is rare and usually caused by urinary calculi. We present the fifth reported case of spontaneous ureterocolic fistula caused by diverticular disease of the colon. Review of these cases revealed a preponderance of women (3:1 ratio), with mean age of 77 years. These patients may have a protracted course before an accurate diagnosis is made (up to 10 years) because of the typical vague presentation. Urologic symptoms predominate, especially urinary tract infection (100%), fecaluria (75%), and abdominal (75%) or flank pain (50%). Barium enema is the most reliable diagnostic test in demonstrating the fistula (75%) compared with intravenous pyelogram (33%) or retrograde pyelogram (25%). The left ureter is usually involved (75%). Surgical intervention is generally directed towards resection of the diseased bowel with primary anastomosis when feasible. Surgical manipulation of the urinary system is unnecessary except for removing a non-functioning, infected kidney. Results of surgery were excellent, with 100 per cent cure and one unrelated mortality on long term follow-up. We recognize the potential for increase in this type of internal fistula, given the increasing lifespan and the established increase in incidence of colonic diverticular disease with advancing age. The correct diagnosis can often be determined preoperatively (75%), and surgical intervention is routinely successful.

Between 1971 and 1991, 41 patients underwent anterior resection for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. Anterior resection was performed after full rectal mobilization to the levator ani muscles with reanastomosis (39 hand-sewn and two stapled) carried out to peritonealized distal rectum. The 41 patients comprised 35 women and six men with an average age of 56 years (range, 7-88 years). Postoperative follow-up averaged 6 years (range, 6 months to 18 years). Three patients (7%) suffered recurrent prolapse in 2, 2.5, and 5.5 years, respectively. Mortality was 0 per cent; morbidity was 15 per cent including three incisional herniae, two small bowel obstructions, and one stroke. No pelvic sepsis, abscess, or anastomotic dehiscence occurred. Anal incontinence was a preoperative finding in 21 patients (51%) with rectal prolapse. Nineteen of these patients (90%) noted either improvement or no change in postoperative continence. Anterior resection is a familiar, frequently performed operation that does not require a foreign body or rectal suspension. We believe this to be the procedure of choice for patients with complete rectal prolapse. Anterior resection withstands long-term scrutiny both in terms of recurrence rate and associated complications.