MEGACOLON CONGENITUM Meaning and
Definition
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Megacolon congenitum, also known as Hirschsprung's disease, is a congenital condition characterized by an absence or incomplete development of nerve cells in the large intestine (colon). This missing or inadequate nerve supply, specifically in the muscular layers of the colon, hampers the ability of the affected segment to propel fecal matter through the intestine normally. Consequently, the affected segment becomes dilated and "megacolon" (enlarged colon) occurs.
Symptoms of megacolon congenitum typically manifest in infancy, although in some cases, they may not become apparent until later childhood or adulthood. Common signs include chronic constipation, difficulty passing stool, abdominal distension, and failure to thrive in infants. These symptoms occur because the affected segment of the colon cannot relax to facilitate the passage of stool, leading to fecal blockage.
Diagnosis of megacolon congenitum is usually made through a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and certain diagnostic tests. Methods such as rectal biopsy, barium enema, or anorectal manometry may be employed to assess the absence or reduced presence of ganglion cells in the colon. Additionally, genetic testing can determine if the condition is part of a rare genetic syndrome or inherited in a familial pattern.
Treatment for megacolon congenitum typically involves surgical intervention. The most common procedure, called a pull-through operation, aims to remove the affected portion of the colon and reattach the healthy section to the anus or rectum. This surgery allows for the restoration of normal bowel function and alleviates the symptoms associated with megacolon congenitum. However, long-term follow-up and monitoring are necessary to ensure the preservation of bowel function and to manage any potential complications.
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Congenital dilatation of the colon, Hirschsprung's or Mya's disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEGACOLON CONGENITUM
- negacolon congenitum
- kegacolon congenitum
- jegacolon congenitum
- mwgacolon congenitum
- msgacolon congenitum
- mdgacolon congenitum
- mrgacolon congenitum
- m4gacolon congenitum
- m3gacolon congenitum
- mefacolon congenitum
- mevacolon congenitum
- mebacolon congenitum
- mehacolon congenitum
- meyacolon congenitum
- metacolon congenitum
- megzcolon congenitum
- megscolon congenitum
- megwcolon congenitum
- megqcolon congenitum
- megaxolon congenitum
Etymology of MEGACOLON CONGENITUM
The term "megacolon congenitum" is composed of two words: "megacolon" and "congenitum".
1. Megacolon: It originates from two Greek roots - "mega" meaning large, and "colon" referring to the large intestine. So, "megacolon" literally means an abnormally enlarged large intestine.
2. Congenitum: This word comes from the Latin word "congenitus" which means "born with" or "existing from birth". It is derived from the prefix "con-" (meaning "with" or "together") and the verb "gignere" (meaning "to beget" or "to give birth"). Therefore, "congenitum" signifies a condition that is present since birth.
