Megacolon is a severe, abnormal dilatation of the colon and is classified as acute or chronic. There are many etiologies of megacolon, including neuropathic and dysmotility conditions, severe infections, ischemia, and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxic megacolon is an acute form of megacolon with systemic toxicity and carries the highest morbidity and mortality. Common symptoms include abdominal distention, pain, bloody diarrhea, or obstipation. Diagnosis depends on the underlying cause and is usually established with a combination of the patient’s history, laboratory findings, and imaging studies. Patients with chronic megacolon may require laxatives, enemas, and bowel training. Management for acute megacolon includes supportive care, decompression, and potential surgery.
Last updated: May 8, 2023
Megacolon Megacolon Megacolon is a severe, abnormal dilatation of the colon, and is classified as acute or chronic. There are many etiologies of megacolon, including neuropathic and dysmotility conditions, severe infections, ischemia, and inflammatory bowel disease. Megacolon is a severe dilatation of the colon Colon The large intestines constitute the last portion of the digestive system. The large intestine consists of the cecum, appendix, colon (with ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid segments), rectum, and anal canal. The primary function of the colon is to remove water and compact the stool prior to expulsion from the body via the rectum and anal canal. Colon, Cecum, and Appendix: Anatomy secondary to impaired motility Motility The motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal Motility or an inflammatory process. The condition is classified based on the time course and duration:
These studies help evaluate the severity of the disease, complications, and potential causes.
C. difficile colitis Colitis Inflammation of the colon section of the large intestine, usually with symptoms such as diarrhea (often with blood and mucus), abdominal pain, and fever. Pseudomembranous Colitis:[7,11,12]
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