Exigent ileostomy hemorrhage. A complication of proctocolectomy in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

The Portland experience with patients requiring proctocolectomy for chronic ulcerative colitis in association with primary sclerosing cholangitis has been reported. Nineteen patients had conventional ileostomy reconstruction, 5 of whom had development of stomal varices with recurrent hemorrhage due to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. When this combination of conditions exists, the therapeutic options must be carefully weighed. Perhaps ileal pouch to anal anastomosis should be considered when proctocolectomy becomes mandatory. Ileostomy is presently a contraindication to liver transplantation. In patients with ileostomies, control of hemorrhage by local measures, including ileostomy revisions, proved to be of only temporary value, yet it should be the preferred management of patients with a severely limited life expectancy. Successful shunts directed at portal decompression have always prevented further ileostomy hemorrhage, however, they have commonly accelerated liver failure and thus death. Furthermore, such shunts seriously complicate liver transplantation if it is considered.