IS THE ASCENDING COLON DISPENSABLE IN RESECTION FOR CROHN'S DISEASE?

Resection for chronic ileocaecal Crohn's disease may be conservative with ileo-ascending-colon anastomosis, or be extended to standard right hemicolectomy. The two operations have been compared to determine whether preservation of the ascending colon is advantageous. Stool frequency, consistency and weight were similar after the two operations. A slower stool transit time was the only clinical difference associated with preservation of the ascending colon. An adaptable and patient-acceptable technique for domicillary collection of stools is described.