TOXIC MEGACOLON

Course overview

TOXIC MEGACOLON IS A RARE, BUT POTENTIALLY DEADLY COMPLICATION OF COLONIC INFLAMMATION. IT IS DEFINED AS A NONOBSTRUCTIVE DILATION OF THE COLON, WHICH CAN BE TOTAL OR SEGMENTAL AND IS USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SYSTEMIC TOXICITY. THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE EVALUATION, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC MEGACOLON. IT ALSO INCLUDES ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT PATIENTS AT RISK FOR TOXIC MEGACOLON AND WHEN SURGICAL INTERVENTION MIGHT BE NECESSARY. FURTHERMORE, IT DISCUSSES THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN MANAGING AND CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH THIS CONDITION.