Dilatation of the colon (toxic megacolon) in acute fulminating ulcerative colitis

A review has been presented of the historical background and pathogenesis of acute fulminating ulcerative colitis with distention of the colon. A personal series of ten cases has been summarized and symptomatology, physical findings, diagnosis and treatment have been discussed. Opinions have been expressed regarding problems involved in the management of this severe complication and recommendations have been made concerning the optimum surg cal procedure.