Colonic necrosis in acute pancreatitis. A complication of massive retroperitoneal suppuration.

Colonic necrosis is a rare complication of peripancreatic sepsis following acute pancreatitis. Three patients with colonic necrosis associated with extensive retroperitoneal suppuration are reported. The pathogenesis of this syndrome may be explained by the tendency of pancreatic abscesses to extend widely in the retroperitoneum. Management is discussed, emphasizing the need for an aggressive surgical approach and multiple operations.