Hemostasis

Introduction Hemostasis, or blood coagulation, is a highly complex process that the body applies to open internal or external wounds in order to keep the loss of blood from an injury to a minimum. In the case of a bleeding wound, various measures can be taken to support the body’s natural haemostasis in order to … Hemostasis

Toxic megacolon

Definition Toxic megacolon is an acute, life-threatening clinical picture, which can occur as a complication of other intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Chagas disease, and pseudomembranous colitis. Toxic megacolon is an enlargement of the colon accompanied by severe colitis. Those affected often come to the emergency room with acute, severe abdominal pain … Toxic megacolon

Symptoms of a toxic megacolon | Toxic megacolon

Symptoms of a toxic megacolon The main symptom with which the affected persons present themselves in the emergency room is very severe abdominal pain and a defensive tension in the abdominal area, which presents itself to the examiner as a stomach as hard as a board. The pain is accompanied by high fever and a … Symptoms of a toxic megacolon | Toxic megacolon

Possible complications of a toxic megacolon | Toxic megacolon

Possible complications of a toxic megacolon Some possible complications are known to exist in the Toxic Megacolon. One possibility is that of an intestinal rupture. In this case, the severely damaged intestine breaks open and the intestinal contents enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to peritonitis. Furthermore, there is a risk that the affected … Possible complications of a toxic megacolon | Toxic megacolon

Diagnosis | Toxic megacolon

Diagnosis Toxic megacolon is usually diagnosed by x-rays of the abdomen of the affected person. Computer tomography can also be used. In both cases, the examining physician can clearly identify the enlarged section of the colon. Furthermore, a blood count is routinely made. This usually reveals anemia and elevated inflammation values. To confirm the diagnosis, … Diagnosis | Toxic megacolon