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Megacolon

Medical Questions » Megacolon
Name: Megacolon
Also known as:
Massive distension of the descending and sigmoid colon, the last parts of the large intestine.
Causes of Megacolon
Long term constipation and retention of faeces stretches the large bowel. May be a complication of ulcerative colitis, associated with some psychiatric and low intellect disorders, a symptom of an under active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), due to excessive use of narcotics, or a birth defect (Hirsch sprung disease).
Symptoms of Megacolon
Severe constipation, sometimes associated with lower abdominal pain and a watery diarrhea as liquid faeces flows around the blockage.
Tests for Megacolon
Diagnosed by colonoscopy (passing a flexible tube up the bowel through the anus) or X-rays.
Treatment for Megacolon
Treat any underlying disease, remove faeces build up, a special high fiber diet, and use laxatives carefully. Surgery in the form of a colostomy (opening bowel onto skin) is a last resort.
Complications of Megacolon of its treatment
Bowel may rupture causing life threatening peritonitis.
Likely Outcome of Megacolon
Often a persistent condition that requires constant and repeated treatment.
       
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