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A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: toxic megacolon?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Olaf Johansenanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 38 years experience
Non function colon: Toxic megacolon can be the end result of many conditions. Most common would be a severe acute attack of ulcerative colites or c. Diff colites causing a severe infection and ischemia (lack of adequate microvascular blood flow) which leads to a massively dilated and a non functioning colon...This is a serious condition which many times needs emergent surgery. Hope this helps.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Kyle Cologneanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 15 years experience
Dilated, sick: Toxic megacolon is a dilation of the colon above 6 cm. It is typically associated with signs of severe illness (such as increased heart rate, fever, etc). It is diagnosed by a thorough assessment by your doctor and abdominal x-rays. It is a serious condition that often requires surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 18, 2013
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