Retrospective, Uncontrolled Cohort Study on the Therapy of Chronic Megalon

Retrospective, Uncontrolled Multcentric Cohort Study on the Therapy of Chronic Megalon (CoMeC)

The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to analyze all available data of patients with chronic megacolon in three clinical centers with respect of conservative and surgical therapies.

Megacolon may be defined as dilatation of the abdominal colon with a minimum of 9 cm in diameter and the absence of mechanical obstruction. Chronic megacolon in adults is an acquired uncommon condition that generally is associated with constipation. It has to be distinguished from other forms of megacolon such as acute toxic megacolon, acute non-toxic megacolon (Ogilvie´s-syndrome) and congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung disease). Regardless of concomitant diseases and causes, most patients with chronic megacolon were treated by laxative measures. Less is known about the optimal conservative therapy . If conservative measures fail, there are several surgical options, depending upon anorectal function. However, less in known about the optimal surgical therapy of patients with chronic megacolon. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to analyze all available data of patients with chronic megacolon in three clinical centers with respect of conservative and surgical therapies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic megacolon (colon diameter > 90 mm)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Toxic megacolon
• Ogilvie-syndrome
• Hirschsprung disease
• Mechanical colorectal obstruction