Toxic megacolon is a serious condition of the large intestine, or colon, that affects how well food moves through the digestive system. Digestive symptoms like bloating and nausea are common. Almost ...

Understanding the Context

Megacolon is an abnormal dilation of the colon (also called the large intestine). [1][2] This leads to hypertrophy of the colon. [2] The dilation is often accompanied by a paralysis of the peristaltic movements of the bowel. Megacolon is an abnormal dilation of the colon in the absence of mechanical obstruction, leading to the accumulation of feces, gas, and intestinal secretions.

Key Insights

If left untreated, it can cause life-threatening complications. Toxic megacolon is a rare but serious complication of severe colitis, or inflammation in your colon. Megacolon is an abnormal enlargement of the colon that can occur at birth or develop later in life. Learn what causes it, how it feels, and how it’s treated. Care guide for Megacolon.

Final Thoughts

Includes: possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support. A toxic megacolon is a rare yet life-threatening complication of severe colon disease or infection. Learn the signs and what to do if you think you have it. In this topic, we discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of toxic megacolon. The management of severe or fulminant ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and Clostridioides difficile colitis, which can lead to toxic megacolon, is also discussed in other topics: