Colonic varices. Three case reports and review of the literature.

Three cases of colonic varices are presented. An extensive review of the literature revealed 29 other cases, whose clinical summaries are included. The majority of patients had portal hypertension and almost always presented with hematochezia. The most fruitful diagnostic tests were sigmoidoscopy and SMA arteriogram. The best therapeutic regimen for the severe bleeder with colonic varices is portacaval shunt.