Megacolon

Question 1

What is a megacolon?

Answer 1

a condition in which the colon is extremely dilated and filled with hard faecal material.

Question 2

What is sub-total colectomy

Answer 2

The removal of most of the colon

Question 3

What is total colectomy

Answer 3

this is removal of the entire colon

Question 4

Pre op prep

Answer 4

Antibiotics are administered. It is recommended not give enemas prior to this procedure as they will alter the consistency of the faecal matter, liquifying it, and this can contaminate the surgical site

Question 5

Patient prep

Answer 5

The patient is clipped from the xiphoid process to the pubis and the skin is aseptically prepared.

Question 6

Patient positioning

Answer 6

The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency with the limbs securely with positioning aids.

Question 7

surgical procedure

Answer 7

: A midline laparotomy incision is made and part or all the colon is resected out and then the terminal ileum or the ascending colon is joined to the rectum.

Question 8

Post op

Answer 8

As it is the colons job to reabsorb water into the body, helping maintain hydration, it is common to see soft stools or diarrhoea post operatively.