Recent advances in flexible fiberoptic endoscopy have permitted direct visualization of segments of the gastrointestinal tract hitherto considered inaccessible. Preoperative diagnoses of diseases of these areas are subject to the vagaries of roentgen interpretation. The following case report illustrates the value of the colonoscope in distinguishing intralumenal ileal neoplastic disease from an inflammatory process (e.g., ileitis, appendiceal abscess).
CASE REPORT
W. M., a 15-year-old white youth, was referred for eveluation of intermittent lower abdominal pain of six weeks' duration. Prior to his admission, he experienced cramping abdominal pain, fever, cough, emesis, and diarrhea. This gradually abated, leaving a residuum of recurrent abdominal pain which was relieved partially with fiexion of the right thigh.