Megacolon is a massive expansion of the large intestine, accompanied by a difficulty in eliminating needs and gases, caused by lesions in the nerve endings of the intestine that cause contractions and bowel movements, can generate signs and symptoms such as a narrowing that prevents time. , vomiting, swelling and abdominal pain.
This could be the result of a congenital baby disease known as Hirschsprung’s disease, which could contract over a long period of time, due to Chagas disease, for example. Another form of megacolon occurs due to acute and severe intestinal inflammation. called toxic megacolon, which can be developed by people with inflammatory bowel disease, causing severe intestinal dilation, rapid and rapid heart rate and a high risk of death.
- Although it has no cure.
- Megacolon can be treated according to its cause.
- And involves relieving symptoms with the use of laxatives and intestinal washes with surgery to remove the affected part of the intestine.
Due to the commitment to the ability to move, the signs and symptoms of megacolon include:
The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on the severity of the disease, so symptoms can be noticed during the first few days of life, in the case of congenital megacolon, can be highlighted months after the onset of the image, in the case of the acquired megacolon, as the disease progresses slowly.
Megacolon can occur from a variety of causes that can occur from birth, which can be acquired throughout life. The most common causes are:
This alteration known as Hirschsprung’s disease is a disease that develops with the baby, due to a deficiency in the absence of nerve fibers in the intestine, which prevents its proper functioning for the elimination of needs, which accumulate and cause symptoms.
This disease is rare and caused by genetic alterations, symptoms can appear in the first hours after birth or after birth, however, if the changes and symptoms are mild, the correct identification of the patient can take weeks or months and in these cases, en It is common for the baby to have stunted growth, due to the fact that the ability to absorb nutrients is lower.
How to confirm: The diagnosis of congenital megacolon is done by observing the child’s symptoms by the doctor, performing the physical examination, as well as requesting tests such as abdominal x-rays, an opaque enema, an anorectal manometry and a direct biopsy that can confirm the disease.
How to treat it: Initially it could be treated with temporary surgery where a colostomy is performed to allow the baby to eliminate needs through a small pomeal that falls on the belly, then permanent surgery is planned around 10 years to 11 months to remove the damaged intestinal part and restore intestinal transit.
The main cause of megacolon acquired from Chagas Mal disease, a situation known as a chagas megacolon that occurs from damage to intestinal nerve endings caused by infection with the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi; however, there are other causes such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, among others.
Other causes of vital dilation and bowel function include
Megacolon may also be functional because the exact cause is unknown, but it is likely due to chronic, severe and unreated bowel constipation, even if it is prolonged.
How to confirm: Diagnosing the purchased megacolon requires a review from the gastroenterologist or roommate, who will analyze the medical history and perform a physical exam, as well as request examinations on abdominal x-rays, an opaque enema, and if there is any doubt about the cause of the disease, your doctor may request an intestinal biopsy to confirm it.
How to treat: the treatment is carried out to allow the elimination of needs and gases through the intestine, initially it can be carried out with the help of lactating women such as Lactulose for example and intestinal washes, however, when the symptoms are intense and there is little Over time, the coloproctologist schedules a surgical procedure to remove the affected part of the intestine.
Toxic megacolon is an acute and severe complication of certain types of intestinal inflammation, mainly caused by people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, although it may be associated with any type of colitis, it is due to intestinal twists, diverticulitis, intestinal ischemia obstruction by colon cancer.
During an image of toxic magac-lon, intense expansion of the intestine is observed that has a rapid and severe evolution and carries a risk of death, due to the intense inflammatory process that occurs in the body, in addition to signs and symptoms such as fever greater than 38. 5 degrees Celsius, heart rate greater than 120 barks per minute, excess white blood cells in the blood , anemia, dehydration, mental confusion, alteration of blood electrolytes and lower blood pressure.
How to confirm: Confirmation of the toxic megacolon is done by evaluation by the doctor by abdominal x-ray, which shows greater intestinal dilation at 6 cm in diameter, physical and clinical examination.
How to treat: Treatment is done to control symptoms, restore blood electrolytes, use antibiotics and other drugs to reduce intestinal inflammation such as corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs, however, in case the patient continues to suffer, surgery may be needed to remove it completely. the large intestine to remove ignition and allow the affected person to heal.