Sigmoid colon and its diseases
The sigmoid colon is one of the parts of the large intestine that goes straight, starting from the upper aperture of the small pelvis. The unusual form of this department( in the form of the Greek letter "sigma") determined its name. Usually the organ is located on the left side of the abdomen. Nevertheless, sometimes its bends can go right up to the right hypochondrium.
This body continues to actively perform the functions of the direct intestine regarding the absorption and digestion of food. It is here that a large amount of moisture consumed with food, enriched with nutrients, is absorbed, which then will promote the growth of all tissues and normal vital functions of organs and systems.
Due to a decrease in fluid, the sigmoid colon is an area of intense solidification of stool masses. After passing this department, undigested food remains in the rectum, and then removed from the body through an act of defecation. The main function is to ensure digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Various organ disorders not only contribute to disturbances in normal bowel function, but also pathologies of all neighboring organs. In addition, organ dysfunction due to disruption of the sigmoid colon can cause even a fatal outcome of the patient. That is why this disease requires comprehensive study and immediate assistance in the event of problems.
Sigmoid Disease
Sigmoiditis
This kind of colitis is an inflammation of the sigmoid colon. The latter can occur in acute and chronic forms. An acute type of pathology is characterized by sharp pains in the iliac region, color changes and rupture of the stool.
Chronic form is manifested by pain during defecation or immediately after it, as well as extreme instability of the stool.
In addition, patients complain of frequent eructations, bloating, nausea, vomiting and loud flatulence in the intestines. Often the treatment of this disease is difficult due to incorrect diagnosis. With prolonged chronic inflammation of this department, the processes of fusion of the sigmoid colon with the nearest organs are activated.
Colitis has negative consequences for a person in the form of weakness, sharp weight loss, a significant decrease in the quality of life.
Diverticulosis
Possible disorders of peristalsis( patency) of the intestine can cause this dangerous acquired disease. Pathology provokes the appearance of areas of the intestine with increased intraluminal pressure. Due to this, the longitudinal and transverse musculature of the sigmoid colon is then hypertrophied. Disturbance in the work of the musculature entails a disorder in the nature of the blood supply of tissues, as well as the normal transport of chyme( contents) along the cavities of the tract. More likely the manifestation of such a disease at the age of about 50 years.
Symptomatic of the disease manifests as follows: stool, colic, flatulence, a feeling of raspiraniya in the abdomen;there may be pain in the ileum. Do not avoid medical care when manifesting diverticulosis. Otherwise, it is possible to develop complications such as purulent peritonitis, abscessing, the appearance of fistulas, bleeding and inflammation.
Sigmoid cancer
Sigmoid colon cancer, which can be detected with equal probability in men, as in women.
Malignancy often occurs between the ages of 40 and 50 years. Symptoms of sigmoid cancer are: intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, nausea, eructation, involuntary contraction of the abdominal muscles, characteristic swelling in the right side of the abdomen. Treatment of cancer disease is carried out only after passing through the necessary analyzes and comprehensive study of the problem.
Diagnostics for objective data support requires the results of laboratory tests, radiography, sigmoidoscopy and biopsy and other analyzes. Palpation is used for the initial investigation of proliferation. Detailed studies are needed to determine the size of the neoplasm, as well as to determine its localization on the sigmoid colon.
Only operation on the sigmoid colon can save from the oncology of this department. Operative intervention is recommended to be carried out immediately after the final diagnosis is made. Not all overgrowths and tumors indicate the presence of cancer. For example, the polyp of the sigmoid colon is a benign precancerous neoplasm, which, nevertheless, must be quenched.
Treatment of the disease
When the inflammation, changes in motility of the food tract, or the appearance of tumors of a different nature, the patient's quality of life will significantly decrease.
To avoid suffering and the threat of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will put an accurate diagnosis and offer an arsenal of methods of conservative therapy or surgical treatment of sigmoid colon diseases.