Megarectum: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Megarectum | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Constipation]], [[abdominal pain]], [[bloating]] | |||
| complications = [[Fecal impaction]], [[bowel obstruction]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Chronic constipation]], [[Hirschsprung's disease]], [[neurological disorders]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[abdominal X-ray]], [[barium enema]] | |||
| differential = [[Hirschsprung's disease]], [[colonic inertia]], [[anorectal malformation]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Laxatives]], [[enemas]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
}} | |||
'''Megarectum''' is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally large or dilated rectum. This condition can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. It is often associated with chronic constipation and fecal impaction. | '''Megarectum''' is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally large or dilated rectum. This condition can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. It is often associated with chronic constipation and fecal impaction. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The causes of megarectum can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired. | The causes of megarectum can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired. | ||
===Congenital Megarectum=== | ===Congenital Megarectum=== | ||
Congenital megarectum is a rare condition that is present at birth. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies such as [[Hirschsprung's disease]] and [[anorectal malformations]]. The exact cause of congenital megarectum is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a developmental defect in the nerves of the rectum. | Congenital megarectum is a rare condition that is present at birth. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies such as [[Hirschsprung's disease]] and [[anorectal malformations]]. The exact cause of congenital megarectum is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a developmental defect in the nerves of the rectum. | ||
===Acquired Megarectum=== | ===Acquired Megarectum=== | ||
Acquired megarectum is more common and can occur at any age. It is often caused by chronic constipation and fecal impaction. Over time, the rectum becomes stretched and dilated due to the accumulation of feces. Other causes of acquired megarectum include [[neurological disorders]], [[spinal cord injuries]], and certain medications. | Acquired megarectum is more common and can occur at any age. It is often caused by chronic constipation and fecal impaction. Over time, the rectum becomes stretched and dilated due to the accumulation of feces. Other causes of acquired megarectum include [[neurological disorders]], [[spinal cord injuries]], and certain medications. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of megarectum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of megarectum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include: | ||
* Chronic constipation | * Chronic constipation | ||
* Fecal impaction | * Fecal impaction | ||
| Line 18: | Line 32: | ||
* Bloating | * Bloating | ||
* Incontinence | * Incontinence | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of megarectum is usually made based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. A [[rectal examination]] may reveal a large, dilated rectum filled with feces. Imaging studies such as [[abdominal X-ray]] or [[CT scan]] can confirm the diagnosis. | The diagnosis of megarectum is usually made based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. A [[rectal examination]] may reveal a large, dilated rectum filled with feces. Imaging studies such as [[abdominal X-ray]] or [[CT scan]] can confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment of megarectum depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include: | The treatment of megarectum depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include: | ||
* [[Laxatives]] and [[stool softeners]] to treat constipation | * [[Laxatives]] and [[stool softeners]] to treat constipation | ||
* [[Enemas]] to remove impacted feces | * [[Enemas]] to remove impacted feces | ||
* [[Surgery]] in severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective | * [[Surgery]] in severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Hirschsprung's disease]] | * [[Hirschsprung's disease]] | ||
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* [[Neurological disorders]] | * [[Neurological disorders]] | ||
* [[Spinal cord injuries]] | * [[Spinal cord injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Acquired disorders]] | [[Category:Acquired disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:53, 4 April 2025
| Megarectum | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Constipation, abdominal pain, bloating |
| Complications | Fecal impaction, bowel obstruction |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Chronic constipation, Hirschsprung's disease, neurological disorders |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, abdominal X-ray, barium enema |
| Differential diagnosis | Hirschsprung's disease, colonic inertia, anorectal malformation |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Laxatives, enemas, surgery |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | N/A |
Megarectum is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally large or dilated rectum. This condition can be either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. It is often associated with chronic constipation and fecal impaction.
Causes[edit]
The causes of megarectum can be divided into two categories: congenital and acquired.
Congenital Megarectum[edit]
Congenital megarectum is a rare condition that is present at birth. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies such as Hirschsprung's disease and anorectal malformations. The exact cause of congenital megarectum is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a developmental defect in the nerves of the rectum.
Acquired Megarectum[edit]
Acquired megarectum is more common and can occur at any age. It is often caused by chronic constipation and fecal impaction. Over time, the rectum becomes stretched and dilated due to the accumulation of feces. Other causes of acquired megarectum include neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and certain medications.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of megarectum can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic constipation
- Fecal impaction
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Incontinence
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of megarectum is usually made based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. A rectal examination may reveal a large, dilated rectum filled with feces. Imaging studies such as abdominal X-ray or CT scan can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of megarectum depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include:
- Laxatives and stool softeners to treat constipation
- Enemas to remove impacted feces
- Surgery in severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective


