Re: elongated sigmoid colon

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on March 05, 1999 at 13:28:51:

In Reply to: elongated sigmoid colon posted by Claudette on March 03, 1999 at 13:01:49:






I have recently been diagnosed as having an elongated sigmoid colon.  
My symptoms are occasional, but severe, pain in the abdominal region.  
Sometimes the pain is so bad that I can not walk without assistance.
I often experience nausia if I eat a lot of food (at a single setting)
or drink a lot of liquids (for example, after my 5+ mile runs I tend
to drink a lot of fluid at a single time and may/may not experience
significant pain).  
I am going to see a doctor in a couple of days, but in the meantime
have been searching for all the information I can find regarding this
condition.
Specifically, the radiologist's report lists the following impressions:
1. Ovarian cysts
2. Minimal fluid in the cul-de-sac of uncertain etiology
3. Probable extremely-tortuous elongated sigmoid colon.  Barium enema
is recommended for confirmation and to exclude a cecal filling defect.
The ovarian cysts are normal and "not remarkable".  I have a long history
of them and am not concerned.  
I am not sure whether or not to be concerned with #2.  What might this mean?
As for #3...I, and my G.P. doctor, are concerned.  Admitedly he is not a
GI specialist and was reluctant to comment.  What does this mean?  
What are the implications of an elongated sigmoid colon?  My GP doctor
suggested that it might mean surgery...what would the surgery entail?
Any information, or direction toward additional resources, would be much
appreciated.  Thank you for your time.
Dear Claudette,
An elongated, tortuous, redundant colon is a fairly common finding in elderly patients. On the other hand, some patients with a freely mobile colon can develop twisting, kinking or telescoping of intestinal loops. A twisting of loops is called volvulus. Volvulus most commonly occurs in the sigmoid colon or the cecum. Telescoping of intestinal loops is called intussuception. These conditions usually require definitive treatment with surgery. These conditions usually present with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain with findings of intestinal obstruction on x-ray. Since the pain is usually intermittent, findings may be missed on x-ray examination. A barium enema may help to further define the anatomy of the large intestine (colon). You may want to discuss finding #1 (fluid in the cul-de-sac) with your gynecologist.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: elongated colon

[auntieca]

A related discussion, elongated colon was started.

[adzdavis]

A related discussion, Same problems was started.