OBJECTIVETo discuss a new surgical strategy: Jinling procedure (subtotal colectomy combined with modified Duhamel procedure), of which the indications, technical notes and outcomes were analyzed.

METHODSThe 590 patients with refractory slow-transit constipation associated with outlet obstruction was strictly included between February 2000 and December 2011. The patients included 103 males and 487 females. Their age were 14-75 years (average 42 ± 13). The 412 patients received laparoscopic-assistant Jinling procedure, and 178 patients with open Jinling procedure. The pre- and post-operation data were collected. The follow up rate were 100%, 98.1%, 95.8% and 92.7% at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

RESULTSThere was no surgery-related death. Mean hospital day was (12 ± 9) days. Most complications were managed conservatively without significant events. The common complications after surgery were adhesive intestinal obstruction (9.2%), anastomosis bleeding (8.1%) and anastomosis leakage (2.9%). The gastrointestinal quality of life index score was 72 ± 9 preoperatively and increased to 68 ± 11, 99 ± 6, 105 ± 9, 106 ± 9 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 month follow-up, respectively (t = 62.1, -25.1, -126.5, -143.2, P < 0.01). The Wexner constipation scale was 21.9 ± 4.5 preoperatively and decreased to 9.6 ± 2.4, 5.9 ± 2.1, 4.6 ± 1.9, 4.5 ± 1.8 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 month follow-up, respectively (t = 48.6, 61.8, 58.2, 45.9, P < 0.01). The satisfactory rate was 77.5%, 92.1%, 93.0% and 94.1% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSJinling procedure provides a good surgical option for refractory slow-transit constipation associated with outlet obstruction.