Stenosis of the colon in acute pancreatitis.

A case is described demonstrating a stricture of the colon associated with acute pancreatitis and 20 similar cases found in the literature are reviewed. The colonic stenosis may be of short duration and largely due to oedema or more chronic with deposition of fibrous tissue. Many cases have been confused with a carcinoma both radiologically and at laparotomy. It is suggested that a conservative approach be adopted initially, resection being carried out if follow-up barium examination fails to show resolution of the stenosis.