abstract
- Anastomotic ulcers are a rare late complication of ileocolic resection in children. The authors describe the cases of two patients who presented 10 and 8 years, respectively, after ileocolic resection. Both had suffered from iron-deficiency anemia caused by an anastomotic ulcer. In one patient the anemia improved after resection of the ulcer; in the second patient cholestyramine and a lactose-free diet resolved the problems of anemia and diarrhea. Anastomotic ulceration should be suspected in any child who has undergone an ileocolic anastomosis and subsequently presents with persistent iron-deficiency anemia and occult blood in the stool.