Work

Toxic megacolon: A rare presentation and novel treatment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A 14‐year‐old male presented with toxic megacolon (TM). Stool culture and rectal biopsies ruled out Clostridium difficile infection and Hirschsprung disease, respectively. Anorectal manometry ruled out anal achalasia as rectoanal inhibitory reflex elicited a normal resting pressure. Colonic motility study showed distal colonic dysmotility and was consistent with a history of chronic constipation and encopresis. He initially underwent a diverting loop ileostomy, which ultimately improved his clinical status and resolved his TM without total abdominal colectomy. Diverting loop ileostomy and antegrade colonic enemas for TM should be considered as an alternative to the standard total abdominal colectomy and end ileostomy in the pediatric population.

Source: JPGN Reports

DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.70098

Authors: Adrienne P. Davis, Jennifer M. Schuh, Janice Bitong, Amy J. Wagner

Institutions: Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Language: English

Topic: Congenital gastrointestinal and neural anomalies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,900