Development of colonic stenosis following severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Colonic necrosis after acute pancreatitis is rare. When it does occur, it is commonly due to ischaemia or inflammation and may necessitate early colonic resection. CASE OUTLINE: A 72-year-old man developed colonic necrosis 6 weeks after severe acute pancreatitis. CT scan revealed a bulky mass near the left colon. Barium enema and colonoscopy revealed stenosis of the left colonic flexure, and this segment of bowel was successfully resected. DISCUSSION: Severe acute pancreatitis must be recognised as a cause of colonic ischaemia and necrosis. The possible pathogenic mechanisms include severe local inflammation and an ischaemic process. This complication is associated with a very poor prognosis despite surgical intervention, but a timely resection may prevent further problems.