Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice
08:20

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: July 12, 2018

Megacolon: constipation or volvulus?

Muhammad Waseem1, Antonia Hipp

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medica and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY, USA. waseemm2001@hotmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|May 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Massive colon dilation in children can stem from fecal impaction, a common pediatric emergency. This case highlights the challenge in distinguishing constipation from serious conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Clinical Case Reports

Background:

  • Pediatric abdominal complaints frequently present in emergency departments.
  • Distinguishing benign from serious gastrointestinal disorders in children is challenging.

Observation:

  • A case of massive colon dilatation due to fecal impaction in a pediatric patient is presented.

Findings:

  • Fecal impaction can lead to significant colonic distension.
  • Methods for differentiating constipation from other diagnoses are discussed.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of fecal impaction is crucial in pediatric emergency care.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering constipation in severe pediatric abdominal presentations.

More Related Videos

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System15:49

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...