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Published on: March 24, 2023
Voluntary self-amputation of the colon
Aldo Rossi1, Beniamino Palmieri, Marzio Malagoli
1Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale, Clinica Chirurgica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia.
A mentally impaired woman with a prolapsed colorectal segment underwent self-amputation. Surgical intervention led to a favorable outcome in this unusual case.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
- Case Reports
Background:
- Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectal lining protrudes from the anus.
- Self-amputation is a rare and extreme manifestation, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairments.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old mentally impaired female presented with a transanal prolapsed colorectal segment.
- The patient had resorted to self-amputation of the prolapsed tissue.
Findings:
- The case involved a unique instance of self-inflicted injury to a prolapsed colorectal segment.
- Surgical management was successfully performed to address the resulting condition.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex interplay between cognitive impairment and severe physical manifestations of rectal prolapse.
- It underscores the importance of timely surgical intervention for favorable outcomes in such unusual presentations.
- Further research into managing severe rectal prolapse in mentally impaired populations may be warranted.
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