Delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer: diagnosis, management and prevention / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Delayed gastric emptying is a syndrome of gastric motility disorder with slow gastric emptying as the main sign, provided that mechanical factors such as intestinal obstruction and anastomotic stricture are excluded. The incidence of delayed gastric emptying after colon cancer surgery is 1.4%, mainly after transverse colon cancer surgery. Most of the studies on delayed gastric emptying are case reports, lacking systematic studies. The diagnoses and treatments can be draw on the experience of delayed gastric emptying after pancreatic surgery. Our retrospective study indicated that the incidence of delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer was 4.0%, higher than that for other colon cancer. Patients who underwent gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection were at higher risk than those who did not (3.6% vs. 0.8%). Gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection and stress are causative factors for delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer. We add the gastrografin test upon the diagnostic criteria of the International Study Group for Pancreatic Surgery, which is simple and practical. Nasogastric tube decompression, enteral nutrition combined with parenteral nutrition, glucocorticoids, and prokinetic agents can cure most patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying. All the patients with postoperative delayed gastric emptying were cured in our studies. Strict indications for gastrocolic ligament lymph node dissection (patients with cT3-4 and cN+) may decrease the occurrence of delayed gastric emptying after surgery for transverse colon cancer.

Enfermedad hidatídica en un paciente con vólvulo de colon transverso estrangulado / Hydatid Disease in a Patient with Strangulated Volvulus of the Transverse Colon

Introducción: La hidatidosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial con alta incidencia en Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, Grecia y Portugal. Dada la escasa sintomatología que habitualmente produce la enfermedad hidatídica, su diagnóstico se realiza de manera casual por estudios radiológicos fortuitos o durante una laparotomía por otras causas. Por otra parte, la volvulación del colon transverso es un evento raro en la población mundial. Objetivo: Analizar, basados en la literatura relacionada, un caso portador de ambas entidades simultáneamente. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo masculino de 64 años con condiciones de vida deficientes, que acude a consulta por presentar cuadro clínico de oclusión intestinal mecánica. Los estudios preoperatorios muestran un quiste hidatídico en pulmón derecho. En el acto operatorio se encuentra otro quiste hidatídico en el lóbulo izquierdo del hígado y el colon transverso volvulado como causa de la oclusión. Conclusiones: Pocas veces coinciden 2 condiciones médicas infrecuentes en un mismo paciente. Ambas entidades suponen un reto terapéutico cuando se abordan en situaciones de urgencia como en el reporte. En zonas endémicas debe tenerse una alta sospecha clínica con el fin de obtener un diagnóstico adecuado y poder ofrecer un manejo oportuno. La cirugía, en la mayor proporción de pacientes, es prioritaria(AU)

Introduction: Hydatidosis is a worldwide distribution zoonosis with high incidence in Argentina, Uruguay, Australia, Greece and Portugal. Given the scarce symptoms usually produced by hydatid disease, its diagnosis is made inadvertently by fortuitous radiological studies or during laparotomy for other causes. On the other hand, transverse colon volvulus is a rare event in the world population. Objective: To analyze, based on the related literature, the case of a patient with both entities simultaneously. Clinical case: A 64-year-old male patient with poor living conditions came to the medical office due to a clinical picture of mechanical intestinal obstruction. Preoperative studies show a hydatid cyst in the right lung. During the operative act, another hydatid cyst is found in the left lobe of the liver, apart from the transverse colon volvulus due to the occlusion. Conclusions: Rarely do two infrequent medical conditions coincide in the same patient. Both entities pose a therapeutic challenge when they are approached in emergency situations, as they have been reported here. In endemic areas, a high clinical suspicion must be considered, in order to obtain an adequate diagnosis and be able to offer timely management. Surgery, in the largest proportion of patients, is a priority(AU)

Volvo do cólon transverso: uma causa rara de abdome agudo cirúrgico / Transverse colon volvulus: a rare cause of surgical acute abdomen

O volvo do cólon é uma condição cirúrgica incomum que ocorre devido a uma torção do eixo mesentérico, situação que resulta em redução parcial ou completa do trânsito intestinal. O cólon sigmóide é o segmento mais envolvido. O presente estudo descreve caso raro de abdome agudo provocado por um volvo do cólon transverso, associado a obstrução intestinal. A tomografia de abdome evidenciou importante distensão e níveis hidroaéreos nos cólons ascendente e transverso, com interposição de alça entre a cúpula diafragmática direita e o dômus hepático (Sinal de Chilaiditi). Foi submetido a laparotomia exploradora com colectomia direita extendida e anastomose íleocólica látero-lateral. O paciente apresentou boa evolução pós operatória. O diagnóstico dessa patologia nem sempre é feito com facilidade, sendo na maior parte dos casos o diagnóstico definitivo realizado no intra-operatória. (AU)

Colonic volvulus is an uncommon surgical condition that occurs due to a twisting around the mesenteric axis, which results in partial or complete reduction in intestinal transit. The sigmoid colon is the most commonly affected segment. We report a rare case of acute abdomen caused by transverse colon volvulus, associated with intestinal obstruction. Abdominal computed tomography showed significant distension and air-fluid levels in the ascending and transverse colons, with loop interposition between the liver and right hemidiaphragm (Chilaiditi's sign). The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with extended right colectomy and side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis. The postoperative period was uneventful. Diagnosis of this condition is not always easy, and in most cases a definitive diagnosis is made intraoperatively. (AU)

Lymph node dissection and key technical points in 4K laparoscopic radical resection of transverse colon cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Laparoscopic radical resection of transverse colon cancer is a difficult operation, which is featured by large operation area, multiple steps, and many clinical anatomical variations. It requires the concept of complete mesocolic excision. Because of its absolute high-definition picture restoration, the 4K laparoscope can effectively assist in the identification, protection and severance of blood vessels during the operation, and assist in judging the fascia space of the operation. After entering Toldt fascial space through the intermediate approach guided by the superior mesenteric vein, the left, right transverse colon and lower area of mesangium are completely dissected, the upper area of colon, hepatic and splenic flexure are sepearted. The authors summarize practical experiences, investigate the extent of lymph node dissection in 4K laparoscopic radical resection of transverse colon cancer and share surgical experience.

Volvulus, gangrene and perforation of transverse colon in an antepartum eclamptic pregnant patient post caesarean: a case report

Transverse colon volvulus leading to gangrene and perforation is an extremely uncommon acute surgical complication in pregnancy and puerperium, with a very high rate of mortality and morbidity. Surgical resection is the only treatment. Authors present a case of a 20 years. old women, with antepartum eclampsia, who underwent caesarean section for fetal distress. She complained of abdominal pain from second post-operative day. The pain increased in severity and on the third postoperative day, she developed sudden abdominal distention and appeared pale. Ultrasound revealed free intraperitoneal fluid suggestive of hemoperitoneum. An emergency laparotomy was performed. There was about a litre of blood in the peritoneal cavity with clots. The caesarean incision site, uterus adnexa and broad ligaments were all intact. On further exploration, volvulus of the transverse colon was seen along with gangrene and perforation of the middle part of transverse colon. Resection of the gangrenous part was done with closure of the distal loop. Proximal loop was brought out as colostomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course thereafter and was discharged on regular diet on 12th postoperative day. Volvulus of transverse colon leading to gangrene is rare in pregnancy and puerperium, but must form part of clinician’s differential diagnosis when encountering a patient with persistent abdominal pain and bowel distention. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention could significantly improve the outcome of this catastrophic condition.

Is radical surgery for clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer relevant? A retrospective review

PURPOSE: Radical lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer is technically challenging. No clear guideline is available for surgical resection of clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer. This study was designed to review the pathologic stage of clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer and determine the relevant extent of surgical resection.METHODS: Patients were treated for clinical stage I right-sided colon cancers (cecal, ascending, hepatic flexure, and proximal transverse colon) between July 2006 and December 2014 at a tertiary teaching hospital. Open surgery was not included because laparoscopic surgery is an initial major procedure in the institution.RESULTS: During the study period, 80 patients diagnosed with clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer were classified into 2 groups according to the pathology: stage 0/I and II/III. Tumor sizes were larger in the stage II/III group (P = 0.003). The stage II/III group had higher rates of vascular (P = 0.023) and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.023) and lower rates of well differentiation (P = 0.022). During follow-up, 1 case of local and 4 cases of systemic recurrences were found. Multivariate analysis to confirm odds ratios affecting change from clinical stage I to pathological stage II/III showed that tumor size (P = 0.010) and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (P = 0.046) were risk factors.CONCLUSION: For right-sided colon cancer, even with clinical stage I included, radical lymph node dissection should be performed for exact staging with sufficient number of lymph nodes. This will help determine appropriate adjuvant treatment, especially in large tumor sizes.

Long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer are comparable to conventional open surgery

PURPOSE: Few studies about laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer have been published. This study aims to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer with those of conventional open surgery. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2010, 51 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stages I–III splenic flexure colon cancer were enrolled. Thirty-three patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted colectomy, while 18 patients underwent conventional open colectomy. Short- and long-term outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics, intra- and postoperative complications. The laparoscopy group showed longer operation time (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 295.0 [255.0–362.5] minutes vs. 180.0 [168.8–206.3] minutes, P < 0.001). In the laparoscopy group, return of bowel function was faster (median [IQR]: 3 [2–4] vs. 4 [3–5], P = 0.007) and postoperative hospital stay was shorter (median [IQR]: 9 [8–11] vs. 10.5 [9–19], P = 0.026). There were no statistically significant differences in overall survival rate (84.3% vs. 76.0%, P = 0.560) or disease-free survival rate (93.8% vs. 74.5%, P = 0.078) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer has better short-term outcomes than open surgery, as well as acceptable long-term outcomes. Laparoscopic surgery can be a safe and feasible alternative to conventional open surgery for splenic flexure colon cancer.

Vólvulo del colon transverso espontáneo: reporte de dos casos / Two Case Reports of Spontaneous Transverse Colon Volvulus

Los vólvulos del colon transverso son una presentación poco frecuente del vólvulo del colon debido a la fijación anatómica que impide su torsión. En la literatura mundial se han presentado menos de 100 casos documentados. A continuación se presentan 2 casos de vólvulo del colon transverso que se sospechan mediante cuadro clínico e imagenológico, son llevados a colonoscopia para devolvulación y se confirman en el intraoperatorio.

Transverse colon volvulus is rare due to the anatomic location which impedes twisting. In the literature of the world, there have been fewer than 100 documented cases. This article presents two cases of transverse colon volvulus. They were suspected because of clinical evidence, images were obtained, colonoscopic reduction was performed and the disorders were confirmed intraoperatively.

Clinical application of titanium clip in endoscopic mucosal resection / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the titanium clip in endoscopic treatment of the transverse colon pol‐yps and discuss the incidence of postoperative complications .Methods A retrospective analysis of 47 patients with the diameter of the transverse colon polyps with the diameter of 1 .0 cm above for EMR treatment .47 patients divided into titanium clip group (EMR preoperative using the titanium clip in the tumor periphery 1 .0 cm extension and vascular anatomy distribution ,n=21) and no titanium clip group (EMR preoperative no using the titanium clip ,n=26) .Analysis one‐time complete resection ,intraoperative blood loss and the hemorrhage after 7 days of two groups .Results There were one‐time removal of the tumor in the titanium clip group ,and no one‐time removal of the tumor in the no titanium clip group due to the large blood loss with poor visibility ,three cases can not be a one‐time complete resection ,the two groups were significantly different (P< 0 .05);the average amount of bleeding (20 .0 ± 5 .6)mL in titanium clip group ,that was (80 .0 ± 8 .2)mL in the on titanium clip group ;compared with the two groups , there was statistically significant (P<0 .01) .There was not complication of hemorrhage after 7 days ,but three cases were that in no titanium clip group ,the difference was significant (P<0 .05) .Conclusion EMR preoperative use the titanium clip in the tumor periphery 1 .0 cm extension and vascular anatomy distribution in trement of benign tumor of the transverse colon ,which can signifi‐cantly improve the clinical efficacy of EM R technique ,and significantly reduced the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding occur‐rence ,thus it's worthy of promotion .

A case report of transverse colon desmoplastic small round cell tumor / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor( DSRCT) is a kind of highly uncommon malignant tumor which is reported in very recent years.Since it has been firstly reported by Gerald in 1991,DSRCT has only a-round one hundred reported cases globally, and very limited cases domestically.This report illustrates the first case of DSRCT in our hospital so as to share and to discuss with clinicians.

Adenosquamous Carcinoma in Distal Transverse Colon in a 72-Year-Old Female Patient

Adenocarcinoma accounts for most of the malignant tumors which originate from the colon, whereas the adenosquamous carcinoma is rather rare, totaling to about 0.06% of all colon cancers. Herein, we present a case of adenosquamous carcinoma of the transverse colon with hepatic metastasis. The patient is a 72-year-old woman who is presented with a chief of lower abdominal pains. Her colonoscopy has indicated an ulcerofungating mass about 4 cm x 3 cm in size in the distal transverse colon, and the biopsy confirmed her diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma. An abdominopelvic computed tomography shows an circumferential enhancing mass on her distal transverse colon with three hepatic metastatic nodules. Transverse colectomy and hepatectomy are later being performed.

Metabolomics approach to serum biomarker for loperamide-induced constipation in SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Loperamide has long been known as an opioid-receptor agonist useful as a drug for treatment of diarrhea resulting from gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel disease as well as to induce constipation. To determine and characterize putative biomarkers that can predict constipation induced by loperamide treatment, alteration of endogenous metabolites was measured in the serum of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats treated with loperamide for 3 days using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectral data. The amounts and weights of stool and urine excretion were significantly lower in the loperamide-treated group than the No-treated group, while the thickness of the villus, crypt layer, and muscle layer was decreased in the transverse colon of the same group. The concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine (Cr) were also slightly changed in the loperamide-treated group, although most of the serum components were maintained at a constant level. Furthermore, pattern recognition of endogenous metabolites showed completely separate clustering of the serum analysis parameters between the No-treated group and loperamide-treated group. Among 35 endogenous metabolites, four amino acids (alanine, glutamate, glutamine and glycine) and six endogenous metabolites (acetate, glucose, glycerol, lactate, succinate and taurine) were dramatically decreased in loperamide-treated SD rats. These results provide the first data pertaining to metabolic changes in SD rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Additionally, these findings correlate the changes in 10 metabolites with constipation.

Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature / 대한소화기학회지

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a plasma cell neoplasm without bone marrow involvement. EMPs are rare in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We report two cases of primary EMP, one in the transverse colon and the other in the stomach. In the first case, a mass on the transverse colon was found on colonoscopy. The patient underwent left hemicolectomy and has been followed-up for 3 years without recurrence postoperatively. The latter case had several masses in the stomach. The patient underwent bypass surgery and has received supportive care for 1 month. Histopathologic specimens of both the cases showed a monoclonal lambda chain EMP. Subsequent investigations included a bone marrow biopsy, serum IgA, IgG, IgM and serum protein electrophoresis, and the results were negative for multiple myeloma in both the cases. Solitary EMP in the GI tract can be mistaken for colon cancer or stomach cancer on endoscopy; therefore, a sufficient number of biopsy specimens can help diagnose solitary EMPs. Surgical resection alone or with radiation therapy in cases with positive surgical margin is currently the only treatment for solitary EMP in the GI tract. Further study is necessary to determine disease prognosis and to investigate other treatment methods.

Acute Peritonitis Caused by a Fibrosarcoma of the Transverse Colon in an Adult

A fibrosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor derived from fibrous connective tissue. It usually develops in the deep soft tissues of the extremities, as well as the trunk, head, and neck. In extremely rare cases, a fibrosarcoma may occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Most cases of fibrosarcoma in the gastrointestinal tract have been observed in the pediatric age group while only a few cases have been reported in adults. A 61-year-old male presented with pain in the entire abdominal region. Chest radiography showed free air in the subphrenic space. After an emergency operation, we found a solid mass around the transverse colon and performed a segmental resection with a lymphatic dissection of the transverse colon, including the mass. A pathologic examination showed a fibrosarcoma with a perforation. There was no perioperative complication. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 11 and had follow-ups for 1 year without any recurrence.

Absence of transverse colon, persistent descending mesocolon, displaced small and large bowels: a rare congenital anomaly with a high risk of volvulus formation / 대한해부학회지

Congenital anomalies such as positional anomalies of the right half of the colon are more common when compared to its left half. We report a rare case of congenital anomaly where the transverse colon was totally absent. Ascending colon continued as descending colon at the right colic flexure. Ascending and descending colons formed an inverted U shaped loop which was situated in the right half of the abdomen. The sigmoid colon began from the descending colon, on the right side of the midline and coursed to the left iliac fossa. The terminal part of ascending colon and entire descending colon had a persistent mesocolon. The jejunum and ileum were situated in the upper left part of the abdominal cavity. This anomaly can cause volvulus of the colon at any stage of life. Furthermore, the knowledge of this anomaly is very useful for radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons.

Improvement of immunological function on gastric carcinoma patients after operation by transposition of a transverse colon segment as a gastric reservoir following total gastrectomy / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To explore the effect on immunologic function of gastric carcinoma patients after operation by transposition of a transverse colon segment as a gastric reservoir following total gastrectomy.Methods A prospective,randomized,double-blind clinical trial was performed.One hundred and sixty-seven gastric carcinoma patients were divided into control group and research group in terms of balanced random groups.We reconstructed digestive tract with conventional Schlatter esophagojejunostomy and Roux-enY esophagojejunostomy in control group,while we reconstructed digestive tract with transposition of a transverse colon segment as a gastric reservoir in rcsearch group.the changes of T cell subset,IL-2,immunologic function of red blood cell,acute inflammatory mediator were analyzed in the patients respectively at the first day before operation,at the first day after operation,at the ninth day after operation.Postoperative fatality rate was also detected in two groups.Results Compared with control group,The changes of T cell subset,IL-2 had no significant differences in research group at the first day after operation (P ＞ 0.05).chaplet Meanwhile,the changes of C3b receptor chaplet rate and immunocomplex receptor rate had no significant differences in rcscarch group compared with control group at the first day after operation (P ＞ 0.05).There were no obvious differences for acute inflammatory mediators between two groups at the first day after operation (P＞0.05).At the ninth day after operation,the levels of CD4+ (44.68 ±5.92)％ in control group were obviously lower than those (48.75 ± 6.24)％ in research group (P ＜ 0.05).However,the percentage of CD8 + T cells (27.21 ± 3.07) ％ in control group was significantly higher than that (24.26 ±2.39) ％ in research group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of IL-2 in control group and research group were (1.49 ± 0.32) μg/L and (1.67 ± 0.35) μg/L,with obvious differences between two groups (P ＜ 0.05).At the ninth day after operation,C3b receptor chaplet rate (39.27 ± 6.88) ％ in research group was markedly higher than that (30.25 ± 6.65) ％ in control group (P ＜ 0.05).The levels of IL-6 in control group were (125.51 ± 18.24) pg/mL,while the levels of IL-6 in research group were(87.34 ± 12.88) pg/mL,with obvious differences (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference for postoperative fatality rate between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The transposition of a transverse colon segment as a gastric reservoir is a safely new mode in the reconstruction of alimentary.It is positive to improve immunologic function for gastric carcinoma patients after operation.

Short-term Clinico-pathological Outcomes of a Laparoscopic Transverse Colectomy for Transverse Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The COST study trial has demonstrated oncological safety by using laparoscopy for colon cancer. However, in a prior trial, the transverse colon was excluded. Therefore, it has not been determined whether laparoscopy can be used in the setting of transverse colon cancer. Moreover, a transverse colectomy for transverse colon cancer is controversial. This study evaluated the peri-operative and short-term oncological outcomes of a laparoscopic transverse colectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with colorectal cancer treated using laparoscopy from August 2004 to August 2007 was conducted. Peri-operative and short-term oncological outcomes were compared between an extended right or left colectomy and a transverse colectomy. RESULTS: Of 234 patients, 26 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer. Extended right & left colectom were performed in 20 cases, and a transverse colectomy was performed in 6 cases. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, blood loss, time to pass flatus, start of diet, hospital stay, tumor size, number of lymph nodes, and radial margin. The distal and the proximal resection margins of an extended Rt. or Lt. colectomy were longer than those of a transverse colectomy. One transverse colectomy was converted to open surgery because of a T4 lesion of transverse colon cancer. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that a laparoscopic transverse colectomy has acceptable peri-operative and short-term oncological outcomes compared to an extended right and left colectomy. However, further investigations are needed to establish the long-term oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery, including transverse colectomy, for transverse colon cancer.

The result of esophagoplasty with transverse colon: 63 cases

Background: esophagoplasty with transverse colon is often used for benign esophageal diseases. In esophageal cancer, esophagoplasty with transverse colon is applied when the colon can not be used or in gastric bypass surgery, without removing tumor. Objectives: to evaluate the results of esophagoplasty with transverse colon in the treatment of some disorders of esophagus. Subjectives and Method: a retrospective descriptive study was carried out on 63 patients who with transverse colon from January 1982 to December 2006, including 46 cases of esophageal scar due to chemical induced esophageal burn, 14 cases of esophageal cancer, 1 case of esophageal narrow after failed surgery of cardia contraction, 1 case of 2nd stage esophagoplasty after surgery for esophageal injury and 1 case due to failure of surgery for congenital esophageal atrophy. Results: No postoperative mortality. Early postoperative complications included: 17 cases of anastomotic leakage (26.9%). No cases of colon graft necrosis. Narrow anastomotis occurred in 7 cases (11.1%). Inflammation of colon graft due to esophageal reflux in 3 cases (4.8%). The mean survival time of 11 esophageal cancer patients who had esophagoplasty, not removing tumors was 4.6 months (3-7 months). Conclussion: esophagoplastic surgery with transverse colon did not cause postoperative mortality, the rate of neck anastomotic leakage was relatively high and this rate has declined in recent years. After the surgery, the most patients had good functional results.

Giant Transverse Colon Diverticulitis Presenting as Indirect Right Inguinal Hernia Strangulation

A giant colonic diverticulum is a rare complication of diverticulosis, and an inguinal hernia is a common diagnosis for patients presenting with a painful groin mass. A 52-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a 3-hour complaint of progressive, constant, right-groin pain with an inguinal mass. After manual reduction of the inguinal hernia, the patient complained of pain in the right upper quadrant. Operative findings showed a transverse colon diverticulitis without perforation. We report here that case of a transverse colon giant diverticulum presenting as an atypical incarcerated inguinal hernia.

Ultrasound assessment of fetal colon development during the third trimester of pregnancy: A prospective longitudinal study / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish a normal range for the outer diameter of the fetal transverse colon from 28 to 40 weeks' gestation. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 38 consecutive women with uncomplicated singleton gestations during their first trimester of pregnancy. Ultrasound for serial measurements of the fetal transverse colon diameter were performed at intervals of 2 weeks from 28 weeks to 36 weeks and then weekly until delivery. Linear regression was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 201 transverse colon diameters were measured in all 38 fetuses. The normal range for the outer diameter of the transverse colon from 28 to 40 weeks' gestation was presented as mean, 95% confidence interval of the mean and range. A linear growth function was observed between gestational age (GA) and transverse colon diameter (TCD) (TCD=0.499 x GA - 0.5504, r2=0.65; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: We have presented a table of normal range and a regression formula for outer diameter of the fetal transverse colon from 28 to 40 weeks' gestation. These data may serve as reference values in the detection of abnormalities of the fetal colon.