Recurrent obstipation as a complication of partial pancreatectomy for non-beta cell adenoma of the pancreas.

Verner and Morrison, in 1958, reported non-insulin-secreting tumours of the pancreas that were associated with a syndrome of refractory diarrhea, achlorhydria and hypokalemia. Surgical resection of such tumours results in rebound acid hypersecretion and cessation of the watery diarrhea. The authors report the case of an 84-year-old man who had three of the four major criteria for diagnosis of the Verner Morrison syndrome. Hypokalemia was absent, but this was possibly due to the large doses of potassium chloride that he was taking in conjunction with diuretics. After resection of the tumour severe obstipation with resultant bowel obstruction developed in addition to rebound hypersecretion and relief of watery diarrhea. Treatment, consisting of bulk laxatives in appropriate amounts, alleviated the obstipation.