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Clin Colon Rectal Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777665
Review Article

Management of Severe Colitis and Toxic Megacolon

Marjorie R. Liggett
1   Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
,
Hasan B. Alam
1   Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Severe colitis is a well-defined condition encompassing several etiologies but is most often caused by severe ulcerative colitis or Clostridioides difficile infection. Severe colitis can evolve into toxic colitis, or toxic megacolon when associated with bowel dilation and systemic manifestations, resulting in a life-threatening scenario where multidisciplinary management is often required. Medical management continues to play an important role in the initial treatment of toxic megacolon. However, timely surgical intervention can be lifesaving.

Keywords

toxic colitis - toxic megacolon - subtotal abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy

Authors' Contribution

M.R.L. was the primary author of the manuscript. H.B.A. was the primary reviewer of the manuscript.




Publication History

Article published online:
29 December 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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