A case of obstructive colitis caused by rectal stenosis and adhesion due to irradiation

We report a case of obstructive colitis associated with rectal stenosis and adhesion due to irradiation. A 68-year-old woman who had been suffering from constipation after an episode of irradiation for cervical cancer of the uterus two years previously was admitted to our hospital complaining of the lower abdominal pain. After two days, an operation was performed under a diagnosis or panperitonitis. Stenosis and adhesion of the rectum and necrosis at the oral side of the adhesion was recognized. Histologically, necrosis of the rectum from mucosa to serosa was recognized, and no neoplastic change was seen at the stenotic portion. The most common cause of local stenosis of the colon leading to obstructive colitis is colon cancer. Obstructive colitis caused by a benign stenosis as reported here is rare. (author)