[Colonic stenosis after pancreatitis].

In 5 out of 35 patients with acute, acute relapsing and chronic pancreatitis, barium enema revealed partial colonic stenosis at the splenic flexure. In 3 patients laparotomy disclosed colonic perforation with abscess, adhesions between colon and pancreas or a marked pancreatic edema. In two patients barium enema follow-up 3-6 months later showed spontaneous resolution of the stenosis. Comparison with 35 cases in the literature shows that colonic stenosis after pancreatitis is usually incomplete, located at the splenic flexure and due to adhesions between the colon and the pancreas. Spasmodic pains in the upper abdomen, increasing constipation and often rectal bleeding or positive guaiac test of the stool may indicate colonic stenosis. Spontaneous resolution is possible, but if operation is indicated the adhesions should be carefully dissected in order to obviate resections of the colon or the pancreas.