The application of percutaneous endoscopic colostomy to the management of obstructed defecation.

PURPOSE: We describe the case of a 52-year woman with a 17-year history of obstructed defecation in whom all other standard treatments had failed and the patient had refused a colostomy. Her symptoms were controlled by percutaneous endoscopic colostomy with antegrade colonic irrigation. METHOD: A percutaneous endoscopic colostomy tube was placed in the sigmoid colon endoscopically using a colonoscope and the patient irrigated two liters of water through the percutaneous endoscopic colostomy twice each day and was able to successfully evacuate her rectum without excess straining or discomfort. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy is an alternative option to colostomy in the management of obstructed defecation.