Enlarged Colon

Colon is a part of the large intestine, and can be divided into four parts, the ascending colon, the traverse colon, the descending colon and sigmoid colon. It is the last part of the digestive system and its basic functions are absorption of water and salts from the semi digested foods and wastes, storage of waste products, until they are expelled from the body, maintenance of water balance as well as absorption of certain important vitamins. The entire colon can be approximately 1.5 meter long, and it is the site where the intestinal bacteria can flourish and carry out the process of fermentation of unabsorbed substances. Colon can occasionally, become enlarged and dilated. An enlarged colon or megacolon can be a congenital condition or it can be acquired later in life.

Causes of Megacolon

Colon enlargement can take place due to inflammation or infection. Megacolon refers to an abnormal dilation of colon that causes enlargement of this part of the digestive system. It can result from nerve damage, Parkinson's disease, use of narcotics and Chagas disease (a parasitic disease that causes dilation of the digestive tract). Megacolon can also develop due to Hirschsprung's disease, also known as aganglionic megacolon, which is a congenital condition that develops during the early stages of fetal development. It is characterized by the absence of a type of nerve cells, known as ganglion cells in the colon. If along with enlargement, the colon get infected, it is known as toxic megacolon. This condition can be caused by inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Occasionally, it can also be caused by constipation which leads to accumulation of feces in the colon and its dilation. Constipation can cause this condition in children.

Megacolon Symptoms

Severe constipation as well as absence of bowel movement can be some of the important symptoms. The enlargement or dilation of the colon can impair the peristaltic movement of the bowel, which can eventually cause feces to accumulate and become hard inside the colon, leading to the development of fecalomas or a stone like structure. If it becomes infected, i.e. toxic megacolon develops, then symptoms like fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and rapid heart rate can be present.

Megacolon Treatment

It is diagnosed with the help of physical examination of the rectum, abdominal X-ray and anorectal manometry. The appropriate treatment option for the condition is determined by the underlying causes. For aganglionic megacolon or Hirschsprung's disease, surgery can be required. With the help of surgery, the part of the colon that is not functioning can be removed. For toxic megacolon, medications like corticosteroid and other anti-inflammatory drugs are used. To restore bowel movement, physicians usually recommend the use of laxative or a diet rich in fiber. Restoration of bowel movement can alleviate the condition, if the enlargement and inflammation of the colon is not so severe. However, if the usual treatments for megacolon fail to provide relief, then physicians opt for surgery.

The best way to prevent colon enlargement is to control the risk factors. The risk for developing an enlarged colon can be effectively managed with some simple ways like eating a diet containing enough fiber. This can help to prevent constipation and ensure regular bowel movement. Similarly, reducing the use of narcotics, as well as the early treatment and management of inflammatory bowel diseases, can also help to prevent the development of megacolon and toxic megacolon.