Toxic megacolon overview: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Toxic megacolon''' is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It is characterized by a very dilated [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] ([[megacolon]]), accompanied by abdominal distension ([[bloating]]), and sometimes [[fever]], [[abdominal pain]], or [[Shock (medical)|shock]]. | '''Toxic megacolon''' is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It is characterized by a very dilated [[Colon (anatomy)|colon]] ([[megacolon]]), accompanied by abdominal distension ([[bloating]]), and sometimes [[fever]], [[abdominal pain]], or [[Shock (medical)|shock]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | |||
There is usually an elevated [[white blood cell]] count. Severe sepsis may present with hypothermia or [[leukopenia]]. | |||
===Abdominal X Ray=== | |||
An abdominal [[radiography]] shows colonic dilation. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
===Medical Therapy=== | |||
Fluid and electrolyte replacement help to prevent dehydration and shock. Use of [[corticosteroid]]s may be indicated to suppress the [[inflammatory]] reaction in the colon if megacolon has resulted from active inflammatory bowel disease. [[Antibiotics]] may be given to prevent [[sepsis]] (a severe infection). | |||
===Surgery=== | |||
The objective of treatment is to decompress the bowel and to prevent swallowed air from further distending the bowel. If decompression is not achieved or the patient does not improve within 24 hours, a [[colectomy]] (surgical removal of all or part of the colon) is indicated. | |||
===Primary Prevention=== | |||
Treatment of the underlying disease is important to prevent toxic megacolon. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 19:09, 5 February 2013
|
Toxic Megacolon Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Toxic megacolon overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Toxic megacolon overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Toxic megacolon overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Toxic megacolon is a life-threatening complication of other intestinal conditions. It is characterized by a very dilated colon (megacolon), accompanied by abdominal distension (bloating), and sometimes fever, abdominal pain, or shock.
Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
There is usually an elevated white blood cell count. Severe sepsis may present with hypothermia or leukopenia.
Abdominal X Ray
An abdominal radiography shows colonic dilation.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Fluid and electrolyte replacement help to prevent dehydration and shock. Use of corticosteroids may be indicated to suppress the inflammatory reaction in the colon if megacolon has resulted from active inflammatory bowel disease. Antibiotics may be given to prevent sepsis (a severe infection).
Surgery
The objective of treatment is to decompress the bowel and to prevent swallowed air from further distending the bowel. If decompression is not achieved or the patient does not improve within 24 hours, a colectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the colon) is indicated.
Primary Prevention
Treatment of the underlying disease is important to prevent toxic megacolon.