Sphincteromyectomy and sphincteroplasty in chronic constipation with megarectum.

An operative procedure for patients with chronic constipation with megarectum and its results is presented. Eleven cases of idiopathic chronic constipation showing megarectum on barium enema underwent this operation. Bowel habits of operated patients were evaluated at 1 to 5 years after the operation. Complete cure was obtained in eight cases. Three cases were improved but needed occasional suppositories. This procedure, sphincteromyectomy and sphincteroplasty, may be an operation of choice for chronic constipation with megarectum, when nonoperative methods fail.