Overview of Colon Defects
The term congenital defect refers to the abnormalities noted in our body that are present at birth. Various organs of our body may display such abnormalities among which colon may also be affected. Congenital defects of the colon may result in complications that may become evident either following birth of the baby or at a later stage in life. Some of the congenital defects of colon may present life-threatening situations which need immediate surgical corrections while others may present minor complications such as abdominal pain or diarrhea.
What are the Congenital Defects of the Colon?
Various types of congenital defects of colon are noted. These defects generally alter the normal functioning of the colon and need surgical correction in most of the situations. Some of the commonly noted congenital defects of the colon have been discussed below.
Colon Malrotation
During the early stages of development of a baby within the mother’s womb, the organs in our body are generally formed at a different location and then reach the normal location after a certain period of time. Organs such as the colon are required to rotate in a certain specific way to reach their correct destination. An abnormality in this process leads to malrotation of the colon. Malrotation may lead to another condition known as volvulus wherein a portion of the colon twists around itself. This may in turn lead to obstruction of the colon and even formation of gangrene in that portion due to constricted blood supply.
The affected babies are generally noted to vomit a fluid known as bile which is produced by the liver. This fluid is required for the digestion process and due to obstruction in the colon or nearby structures, it gets vomited. In case of older children, malrotation is associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and bleeding from the rectum.
Surgical procedures are generally advised to untwist the colon, clear any attachments to the colon that are obstructing it, and to reposition the colon to its correct location.
Fistulas
Fistula is an abnormal passage between two adjoining areas. The fistulas may either be formed internally between two adjacent structures or externally formed wherein it connects the outer surface of the skin to the internal organs. This congenital defect of the colon may also be noted at a later stage in life due to some infections or other disorders.
Fistulas are associated with swelling of the abdomen and pain in the affected region. External fistulas generally express pus or other fluids at the skin surface.
The treatment involves surgical correction of the defect along with the administration of antibiotics if any underlying infection is suspected.
Intussusception
Intussusception refers to the folding-in of a section of the colon into an adjoining section. It is an acquired condition but may also occur congenitally. This may also be noted in the small bowel or between the colon and the small bowel. This type of congenital defect of the colon results in blockage of the colon. Infants or children affected by this condition generally display symptoms and signs such as abdominal pain, stools mixed with blood, fever, abdominal expansion, and dehydration. Intussusception is also noted in adults in some cases.
Treatment may not be required in a few cases as it may resolve by itself. However, children with severe symptoms need surgical correction of the defect.
Colonic Atresia
Atresia refers to the absence or closure of tubular structures such as the colon, anus or ear canal. Colonic atresia is one of the congenital defects of colon which occurs during the early stages of development of the baby. This is a rare congenital defect of the colon wherein the colon is blocked.
Abdominal swelling, absence of bowel movements and vomiting are the features associated with colonic atresia. Surgical correction involves removal of the affected portion and reconnecting the remaining portion of the colon.
Some Useful Tips
- Consult the doctor immediately if your newborn child has a distended abdomen, cries when you touch the abdomen or vomits
- Some congenital defects can be diagnosed before the child is born; discuss with your doctor about it
- Abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting may be the symptoms of some underlying disorder of the colon; meet your doctor if these symptoms persists for more than 3-4 days with or without treatment
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