The effect of transverse section of the taeniae coli on intracolonic pressures was studied in the rabbit. A highly significant decrease in the total activity and motility index of the cut segment relative to the adjacent segments was found in 11 of 13 animals (p < 0.005), and a significant decrease in the relative mean size of contraction was found for the series as a whole (p < 0.05). These changes were more significant with increasing strength of contraction. It is concluded that the operation may have a place in the treatment of diverticular disease as an alternative to, or in combination with, longitudinal sigmoid myotomy.
Read full abstract