When all else fails: the colo-duodenal anastomosis

Abstract

Total enterectomy is an exceedingly rare procedure performed out of necessity due to massive intestinal infarction, trauma, or peritoneal malignancy. This case describes a 47-year-old patient who has successfully undergone the procedure to manage mesenteric ischaemia. Bowel continuity was achieved with a duodenocolonic anastomosis, and the patient has been transitioned to life-long total parental nutrition. This case highlights that carefully selected patients can achieve long-term survival with good quality of life rather than palliation.