Common Ulcerative Colitis Questions Answered

What is toxic megacolon?

Toxic megacolon is a severe dilation of the colon which occurs when inflammation spreads from the mucosa through the remaining layers of the colon. It is seen more commonly in ulcerative colitis, but can be seen in Crohn's disease involving the colon as well. Patients most be carefully following with abdominal xrays and surgical evaluation, as it the colon gets to me a certain size, it can rupture or perforate, which can lead to death. It is felt that the use of anti-diarrheals such as immodium or lomotil, and narcotics, such as Percocet or Darvocet can lead to toxic megacolon by slowing down intestinal contractions. That is why these medications are typically not recommended in patients with colitis.

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