Department of the sigmoid colon anatomy. Sigmoid colon: symptoms and treatment for inflammation

Sigmoid colon(lat. colon sigmoideum) is the lower colon, the continuation of the descending colon and the predecessor of the rectum.

The sigmoid colon begins in the area upper aperture small pelvis and is directed transversely to the right in front of the sacrum. Further, the sigmoid colon makes a turn to the left, then, reaching the midline, it goes down and passes into the rectum. The sigmoid colon got its name because of its S-shaped course.

The length of the sigmoid colon of an adult is from 15 to 67 cm, most often from 24 to 46 cm, on average about 54 cm. The outer diameter of the sigmoid colon is about 4-6 cm.

An abnormal increase in the length of the sigmoid colon is called dolichosigma.

Acidity in various parts of the sigmoid colon

• distal third of the sigmoid colon: pH=8.7 (pos. 5)
• middle third of the sigmoid colon: pH=7.9 (pos. 6)
• proximal third of the sigmoid colon: pH=7.9 (pos. 7)

The sigmoid colon in children

Some diseases and conditions of the sigmoid colon

• functional dyspepsia, including dyspepsia in children

The sigmoid colon, so named because its pattern resembles a Latin letter, is one of the important sections of the large intestine. The functions performed by this department affect the overall life of a person. But, like other organs, the sigmoid colon is prone to a variety of diseases. Taking into account the importance of this section of the intestine, it is important to be able to detect a dangerous disease in time. To do this, it is important to know where the sigmoid colon is located and how it hurts.

Location

The location of the sigmoid colon is the same in all people, although there may be minor anatomical differences. This section of the intestine is connected at different ends with other parts of this organ. The colon begins at one end of the sigmoid colon, and the rectum at the other.

Its location is the left side of the retroperitoneal space (typical location). In women, this section is located directly behind the uterus. In men, it is located in the area located behind bladder. This is a fairly large section of the intestine. Its length in humans sometimes exceeds sixty-eight centimeters, that is, more than half a meter. Its diameter is normally up to four centimeters.

In this section, the absorption of nutrients occurs. Most of the vitamins and water entering the body are absorbed here. Further, these substances are distributed to other human tissues and organs. Fecal masses are also formed here, which then fall into the region of the rectum.

It should be noted that in some diseases there may be an abnormal expansion of the sigmoid colon and an increase in its diameter.

Above are the dimensions of this section of the intestine, characteristic of the anatomy of healthy people.

Pain and its causes

Pain in the sigmoid colon is a sign that the organ has failed. It never occurs without a reason. In most cases, pain is the first sign of inflammation of the sigmoid colon. They may also indicate that a person has begun to develop a serious illness or pathology. Therefore, pain plays the role of a kind of signal that notifies a person that it is time to turn to a specialist. Only he will be able to examine the intestines and make an accurate diagnosis.

Among the most common reasons for the spread pain in this area are the following:

• Sigmoiditis. What it is? This is one type of colitis. Sigmoiditis is characterized by severe pain in the abdomen. Pain can subside and intensify;
• diverticulosis. Diverticulosis refers to a violation of the process of peristalsis of this part of the intestine. With the weakening / strengthening of the wave-like contractions of the walls of the sigmoid colon (this process is called peristalsis), the passage of feces to other parts of the intestine is difficult. As a result, the department cannot perform its functions normally, which causes pain, colic, increased gas formation;
• cancer. Due to the occurrence of tumors in the sigmoid colon, feces cannot pass further through the organ, which leads to intestinal obstruction, accompanied by severe pain and nausea. Metastases occur slowly, so the symptoms of a problem do not appear immediately;
• dolichosigma. Pathology, which consists in an increase in the size of the sigmoid colon. It may be congenital, although an increase is possible in the process of life. If a pathology is detected, conservative treatment is carried out. Surgical intervention is rarely used.

Sigmoiditis

Most often, problems with the sigmoid colon manifest themselves as inflammation. Symptoms and treatment of sigmoiditis depend on the form of the disease, of which there are two:

• acute;
• chronic.

The acute form of inflammation appears suddenly and is accompanied by a large number of symptoms. The main one is acute pain. And sometimes they reach such intensity that the patient needs to be differential diagnosis in order to check all the organs located near the epicenter of pain and establish its source. In addition to acute pain in the left side of the abdomen, acute form sigmoiditis is accompanied by:

• liquid stool;
• the presence of pus in the feces and blood;
• tenzems;
• nausea;
• vomiting, which does not lead to relief of the condition;
• fever.

Not all of the above symptoms of the disease appear at the same time. Some of them may be completely absent or be mild. Chronic sigmoiditis causes the following symptoms:

• pain during and after defecation;
• diarrhea alternating with constipation;
• bloating;
• frequent belching;
• vomit.

In the case of a prolonged course of the disease (due to the absence or not effective treatment), a fusion process may begin, during which the sigmoid colon will gradually fuse with the organs surrounding it.

As a result, the patient may feel weak, lose weight, and his quality of life will deteriorate significantly. In addition, a neglected disease provokes the appearance of ulcers.

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For the treatment of catarrhal sigmoiditis, antispasmodic, sedative and antibacterial drugs are used. Enveloping agents are widely used. There are also drugs that local action on the disease (candles). The patient is prescribed a special diet and bed rest.

Today there are many good modern drugs for the treatment of sigmoiditis. Specific means and schemes of therapy depend on the condition of the patient, his body, the neglect of the disease and the type of inflammation. In chronic ulcerative sigmoiditis, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed ("Salofalk", "Sulfasalazine"). In the absence of ulcers, the goal of therapy is to restore the normal microflora of the organ. For this, apply antibacterial agents("Biseptol") and antiseptics ("Intetrix").

You can improve the patient's condition with the help of folk remedies. For this, infusions based on mint, sage, cumin, alder, wild rose and other plants are used.

Diverticulosis

The causes of the development of the disease most often lie in age-related changes in the body. More than thirty percent of the population over fifty suffer from peristalsis disorders. Among young people, this disease is rare. Due to violations of peristalsis, areas appear in the sigmoid intestine, which are subjected to strong intraluminal pressure. This process is accompanied by hypertrophy of the longitudinal and transverse muscles. As a result, the blood circulation of the tissues is disturbed and it is difficult to push the feces through the intestines.

Therapy for diverticulosis should be started immediately after the first signs of the presence of the disease are detected. But, since it is often asymptomatic for a long time, this is not easy to do. Often the disease is discovered during third-party research. But as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more pronounced. The symptoms of the disease include:

• pain in the lower abdomen. After a bowel movement, they can disappear, which is why patients often do not go to a specialist with a problem;
• frequent constipation lasting for a long period of time;
• flatulence;
• bloating (observed on the left side);
• feeling of heaviness in the left side of the abdomen. It usually goes away after a bowel movement.

Prolonged lack of treatment for an advanced form of diverticulosis can lead to the following complications:

• bleeding in the intestines;
• peritonitis;
• abscess
• intestinal obstruction.

How to treat the disease will determine the doctor. Usually, antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporin), antispasmodic drugs (No-shpa, Drotaverin), laxatives (Duphalac), enzymes that improve digestion (for example, Mezim) and agents that promote recovery are used to treat the disease. intestinal microflora ("Linex").

If the disease is in an early stage of development, it can be cured at home. To do this, it is enough to eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cancer of the sigmoid colon

The defeat of the sigmoid colon with cancer in most cases occurs between the ages of forty and fifty years. As mentioned earlier, the disease proceeds slowly, so for a long time the patient may not be aware of the presence of a problem. The presence of pain in the abdomen, involuntary tension of the muscles related to the press, bloating in the right region of the abdomen are symptoms that indicate the development of cancer that is not amenable to drug treatment.

If a tumor is found, which is located in the sigmoid colon, surgery is performed. The surgical method is the only effective way to treat this disease.

Chemotherapy is rarely performed due to the large number of contraindications. In addition, after the discovery of cancer, the patient should immediately stop taking painkillers, antibiotics and thermal procedures. The type of surgery depends on the number and size of formations:

1. a minimally invasive operation involves the introduction of a sigmoidoscope into the anus. It is used for a small number of tumors in the distal intestine;
2. The classic operation is to remove part of the sigmoid colon. In especially severe cases, surgeons have to cut out the entire intestine.

Thus, the sigmoid colon is quite large and easily palpable. Serious diseases often cause pain in the sigmoid colon. Where this gut is located is described above. It is important not to confuse pain in the sigmoid region with pain in other organs. Often, pain is a sign of the development of the disease. The most common disease associated with the sigmoid colon is sigmoiditis. Diverticulosis is less common. Lack of therapy can lead to the appearance of tumors in this organ.

Treatment of diseases associated with the sigmoid colon is to take antibiotics, antiseptics, antispasmodic drugs. If symptoms of one of the above diseases are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor. He examines the patient and makes an accurate diagnosis. Segmental colon cancer is treated exclusively by surgery. Chemotherapy is rarely used.

The sigmoid colon is an important part of the digestive tract, the coordinated work of which largely determines the work of the large intestine and, as a result, the well-being of a person. It is no coincidence that this body received its name - in its own way. appearance it looks a bit like the Latin letter "sigma".

Of course, anatomical structure each person has his own individual characteristics, but still a certain similarity with the letter of the Latin alphabet can be traced in everyone. Timely treatment of the inflammatory process that has begun will help you get rid of many problems with the gastrointestinal tract, which can have the most serious consequences for your body.

For competent diagnostics it is necessary to understand exactly what importance this organ has for the body, take into account the anatomical structure of the sigmoid colon and all the functions that are assigned to it.

So where is the sigmoid colon located?

It is very important to know the exact location of such an important organ in order to instantly respond to the first signs of the disease. The sigmoid colon is located in the area between the rectum and the descending colon, while in some cases its loops can reach the level of the right hypochondrium. It has a fairly noticeable size, which can reach up to 68 cm in length. Typically, the diameter of the sigmoid colon is about 4 cm. As you can see, this organ is very large in scale.

Speaking about the purpose of the sigmoid colon, it can be noted that it carries out very important functions for the body - this organ contributes to the complete absorption and digestion of food, as a result of which normal and active life of the human body is achieved. The main function of the sigmoid colon is to completely absorb moisture from ingested food - this moisture is simply necessary to saturate the body with water. Palpation is not difficult - the intestine easily palpates in the region of the left iliac part.

More on the topic: Proctitis causes stool disorder

To carry out palpation, it is necessary to put together and slightly bend four fingers of the hand and attach them to the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity, gently sliding your fingers along it and feeling the intestine. With the help of palpation, you can easily determine such important points as soreness, the nature of the surface, thickness, peristalsis and mobility of the sigmoid colon.

Inflammatory diseases

The main causes of the inflammatory process are very diverse, but among them one reason can be singled out, which is rightfully considered the main one. It is associated with the main purpose of this organ - it is known that in the process of digestion of food, the sigmoid colon turns into a zone of increased hardening of feces that pass through this section of the digestive tract and are excreted from the body naturally. With inflammation, this natural process is disrupted and serious disruptions occur in the usual, well-organized work of the body. Let's get acquainted with the most common diseases.

• Inflammatory disease - sigmoiditis.
• - certain disorders in the process of blood supply to tissues and normal transportation of intestinal contents.
• The most terrible disease -.

The most common disease of the sigmoid colon is sigmoiditis. It is an inflammatory process of this organ and can occur both in chronic and in acute form.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of sigmoiditis include the appearance of unpleasant pain in the iliac region. Pain can have varying degrees of intensity and severity, be acute or aching in nature. Often, pain is given to the leg and lower back. But you should not make a diagnosis on your own - it is very important to contact a gastroenterologist in time and differentiate the disease, since its symptoms are very similar to those of appendicitis.
• A symptom of developing sigmoiditis is a disorder of the stool, a change in its color and instability of the discharge.
• Also, a manifestation of the inflammatory process in the sigmoid colon can be unexpected pain during or after the defecation process.
• In some cases, the symptoms of this disease are, reaching to vomiting, rumbling and.
• Frequent additional symptoms are increased human fatigue, nervous breakdowns, sudden weight loss and loss of strength.

More on the topic: How to treat constipation with dysbacteriosis? What diet to use?

Have you noticed that you have pain in the iliac region? You should not postpone a visit to an experienced specialist for a long time - the treatment of sigmoiditis requires a timely and comprehensive approach. In the event that the disease could not be diagnosed on early stages, it went into chronic form and has not received comprehensive treatment - this can have very unpleasant consequences for the body. As a result, the patient's quality of life is significantly reduced, and overall well-being is noticeably worse. Diagnosis is carried out by a gastroenterologist using the colonoscopy method.

The main causes of the development of sigmoiditis

The main and most common causes that can provoke the development of the inflammatory process are very diverse.

• The most common reason that can provoke the development this disease- individual features of the structure of the intestine. So, a large number of bends of the colon can cause stagnation and obstruction of the stool, which in turn is fraught with the development of the inflammatory process.
• During pregnancy, the chances of getting sick with sigmoiditis. This is due to an increase in the pressure of the uterus on the area of ​​​​the sigmoid colon, which can also cause stagnation of feces.
• Other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke the appearance of sigmoiditis - for example, or.
• In some cases, other factors can become the causes of the inflammatory process: the abuse of alcoholic beverages or spicy foods, various infections, and severe nervous disorders in the nervous system.

In case of inflammation of the sigmoid colon, it is recommended complex treatment, which includes the use of drugs, a strict diet, and in some cases even surgery. In no case should you self-medicate or apply treatment folk remedies- this is fraught with the development of serious complications and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, which will require long-term treatment.

In the most common cases, inflammation is treated with antibacterial drugs broad spectrum of activity. If the patient has sharp pains in the iliac region, which significantly worsens the quality of life, it is recommended to use painkillers or antispasmodics. medications which aim to relieve pain.

Sigmoiditis: symptoms, treatment, diet. Sigmoid colon: where is it located and how does it hurt

Although the anatomy human body everyone is the same, some organs may vary in shape and size in different people. Most often, differences are found in the digestive system of the body, namely in the area of ​​​​the thick and small intestine. The sigmoid colon is located in the thick section, the condition of a person directly depends on the correct operation of it.

This intestine helps to digest food by saturating the human body with water. It is usually located at the level of the iliac crest, but can also reach the hypochondrium. Inflammation of the sigmoid colon is a fairly common occurrence, which is called sigmoiditis. Symptoms of the disease are quite clearly expressed, they will be discussed in this article. It is important to note that this is a fairly often diagnosed ailment, a large number of people face it.

Before talking about the symptoms and methods of treating the disease, it is necessary to clarify the meaning of the concept of "sigmoiditis". What it is?

This disease is an inflammation of the lower part of the intestine, namely the sigmoid colon. Due to the anatomical features of the structure of the body, this section is considered one of the weakest places in the body. It looks like it's attracting an infection. The shape of the sigmoid colon resembles the letter of the Latin alphabet "sigma". Even despite the individuality of a person, in almost everyone this gut is similar to this letter.

Everything needs to be done on time, especially when it comes to health. Sigmoiditis can develop both independently of other ailments, and together with them. So you should be careful in this matter, with the slightest symptoms, contact a specialist.

Why does sigmoiditis occur? The reasons can be very different, but the main one is the structure of the human body. Oddly enough, we cannot influence the anatomy of our intestines and other organs. The large intestine has curves, each person has a different number of them. The more bends in the intestine, the higher the likelihood of inflammation, since it is difficult for the contents to pass freely through the intestine, which leads to stagnation of feces.

In pregnant women, inflammation of the sigmoid colon can occur as a result of pressure from the uterus. Also, the cause of this disease can be other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, such as dysbacteriosis or proctitis. Since the sigmoid colon is a poorly protected organ, it is more prone to diseases than others. Sigmoiditis is a rather serious disease that can lead to irreversible failures in the human digestive tract.

The classification of the disease is divided into several divisions. According to the degree of activity, acute and chronic sigmoiditis are distinguished. They will be reviewed later. In more detail, one should dwell on the division according to the changes that occur in the body during inflammation of the sigmoid colon.

1. Catarrhal sigmoiditis. This is the weakest form of the disease, it is practically not dangerous, the lesion does not extend to the entire intestine, but only to the upper layer.
2. Erosive sigmoiditis. This is the next form of the disease, into which catarrhal sigmoiditis can flow if timely treatment is not prescribed. In addition to the signs of the first form, the examination can detect erosion (defects on the gastric mucosa).
3. Ulcerative sigmoiditis. It is a very dangerous form of the disease, characterized by the fact that inflammation passes from the upper to the lower layers. In some cases, inflammation can also go to the muscles.
4. Perisigmoiditis. It is the latest and, accordingly, the most severe form. With it, the intestinal wall becomes completely infected, which can lead to irreversible consequences.

At different kind sigmoiditis its symptoms and causes. When contacting a doctor, you can find out if you have this disease, at what stage it is and how to treat it.

As already noted, the degree of activity can distinguish between acute and chronic forms of the disease. The symptoms in each case will be different. To begin with, consider the case when a person has acute sigmoiditis:

• pains appear in the left iliac part;
• pains are accompanied by spasms and give to the lower back;
• bloating and regular rumbling of the abdomen;
• often liquid stool with blood;
• weakness, pallor, constant nausea.

The chronic form of the disease usually manifests itself along with intestinal dysbacteriosis. It is characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation. If a person feels constant fatigue, weakness, and acute pain during defecation, then most likely it is sigmoiditis. Symptoms, treatment of this form of the disease largely depend on the cause.

Digestion of food does not occur properly with this ailment. If you do not go to an appointment with a specialist in time, then a person can lose a lot of weight, get tired quickly, and will feel constant fatigue. It is possible that everything will return to normal for a while, but you should not rejoice too early. Sigmoiditis may recede, but if a person has not been treated in any way, then he can be sure that the disease will return again.

Repeated illness can lead to serious infectious diseases, hypothermia and injuries.

Even doctors can be wrong, and even more so when it comes to the fact that the sigmoid colon has become inflamed. Where is it located and how does it hurt? The fact is that the symptoms of sigmoiditis are very similar to the symptoms of acute appendicitis. Often there are cases when doctors confuse these two diseases, since it is quite difficult to diagnose sigmoiditis.

If a person turned to a doctor late with this problem or an incorrect diagnosis was made, then the inflammation can grow to enormous proportions, endangering life and health. In this case, there is a possibility that the sigmoid colon will fuse with other organs that are located nearby. Then the usual medicines and measures for sigmoiditis will not help, surgical intervention will become necessary.

Only an experienced doctor, a professional in his field, will be able to diagnose sigmoiditis. The localization of the patient's pain and the focus of the disease is what the specialist needs to determine first of all. The patient himself, as well as palpation of the abdomen, can help the doctor with this. It is mandatory to take a blood and stool test so that the doctor can determine the severity of the disease. Since the correct diagnosis is very important, the specialist may order the patient to undergo an abdominal ultrasound. In order to diagnose the disease for sure, the patient can be examined with an endoscope.

Treatment of inflammation of the sigmoid colon

A person's life practically deteriorates if he is diagnosed with sigmoiditis. Symptoms, treatment of the disease are inextricably linked with each other. Regardless of the stage of the disease, the patient is in constant discomfort regularly feels weak and tired.

The more pronounced the symptoms of the disease, the longer and more thoroughly the treatment will be. Currently, literally for all stages of the disease there are good and high-quality medicines. The main thing is to identify the cause in time and start the examination.

Depending on what caused the disease, medications are prescribed. If it enters the body as an infection, then doctors recommend using antibiotics in treatment. If the disease has arisen due to the anatomical structure of the body, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Each doctor chooses the dosage and amount individually for the patient.

If the patient feels very ill, he will be offered hospitalization. If any similar symptoms begin to appear, you should immediately consult a therapist. Self-treatment for sigmoiditis is not recommended, as it is very dangerous. In this case, it is better to completely trust the attending physician and not take rash and uncoordinated actions.

Despite the fact that at home there is a minimal chance of a complete recovery, the treatment of sigmoiditis with folk remedies does take place. Herbal decoctions will be an excellent solution, as they will help improve well-being with intestinal inflammation, as well as stop diarrhea and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

For this decoction, plantain and celandine leaves, rose hips and chamomile flowers will be needed in small quantities. Put all the ingredients one teaspoon into a container and pour boiling water over it. After the broth is infused (6 hours), you can start using it. It will be correct to drink it 6 times a day, half a glass before meals. After drinking the decoction for 4 weeks, you need to stop for a week, and then resume taking it again. For best results, it is recommended to repeat this cycle three times.

If a person suffers from diarrhea, then juice from plantain leaves will be a good helper. To prepare this liquid, you need to grind the leaves, squeeze the juice out of them. One tablespoon of juice is diluted in a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to take half an hour before meals.

However, the treatment of this disease with traditional medicine not very effective, it will only help relieve pain for a while. Seeing a doctor is a must for anyone with ulcerative or non-ulcerative sigmoiditis. Treatment of the second folk remedies is more appropriate, as it will not allow the disease to grow further.

In almost all cases with sigmoiditis, the doctor prescribes a diet. Most often this is diet number 4. Its goal is to eliminate inflammatory and other negative processes in the body, as well as to achieve proper bowel function. The main thing in this diet is to exclude fats and carbohydrates, thanks to which a sufficient amount of gastric juice is released.

As already noted, this diet is prescribed to almost everyone who has found sigmoiditis. Symptoms in this case are not very important. This diet is low in calories, contains a lot of protein, and the amount of fat and carbohydrates is minimized. The optimal diet period is about 7 days. Since it does not contain enough vitamins, its long-term use can adversely affect health. Food should be taken 5-6 times a day in small portions.

• crackers or stale bread;
• boiled or steam dietary meat;
• boiled lean fish;
• porridge cooked in water;
• green tea, coffee without sugar;
• sour apples, blueberry, quince or pear jelly.

Prohibited products include:

• fresh bread, flour products;
• meat, lard, sausages;
• oily fish;
• spices, sauces, spicy additives;
• carbonated drinks, cocoa and coffee with sugar.

As you can see from the products, this is a fairly low-calorie diet, and not everyone can withstand it even for a week. However, it is necessary. Of course, after consultation with the attending physician. Often patients lose several kilograms after taking this course. This will ease the pain and slightly reduce the level of inflammation. After the patient has been on a diet for a week, do not immediately switch to fatty and high-calorie foods, this can only worsen sigmoiditis. Symptoms in women are about the same as in men, there are no particular differences. So everyone will have to sit on a diet, regardless of gender.

This ailment is very common, and in order to somehow protect yourself from it, you need to know about sigmoiditis. What it is, many do not even know until they find themselves in constant pain in the iliac crest. The famous proverb says: forewarned is forearmed.

Prevention of this disease is reduced to the timely solution of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, the prevention of extreme forms of ailments. Very important point is proper nutrition. If possible, you should minimize the intake of fatty foods, eat more vegetables and fruits. It is advisable not to eat large portions twice a day. It is better to divide these portions into six times, this decision will have a positive effect on digestion. Thus, a person avoids overeating, and, accordingly, bloating.

In this case, all parts of the gastrointestinal tract will work normally. Of course, it is also necessary to seek professional help in time. At the first sign of any diseases, especially those related to the intestines, you need to make an appointment.

It is very difficult for people to understand if their sigmoid colon has become inflamed. Where is it located and how does it hurt? You need to know the answers to these questions. At the slightest manifestation of the first symptoms, immediate action should be taken.

The patient's future disease depends on a large number of factors. Depending on what the symptoms are, the cause of the disease, the degree of sigmoiditis, the form of the disease, it depends on what will happen next with the patient. In general, it can be noted that sigmoiditis with timely treatment and maintenance of preventive measures almost always has a favorable outcome.

Of course, any disease that is discovered late becomes difficult to treat, and in this case sigmoiditis is no exception. Symptoms, causes of the disease are always different, a lot depends on this. An unfavorable outcome can only be if the disease has been too advanced. Then surgery is the only option.

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This is the section of the large intestine that connects the descending colon with the rectum. The size of this intestine in different people varies greatly - from a few centimeters to half a meter in length and 4 cm in thickness. The sigmoid colon is very mobile, so it can be located differently for different people, but more often it is located in the lower abdomen on the left. In women, this inside is located behind the uterus, and in men it is behind the bladder.

Digestion of food does not occur in the sigmoid colon. This section is designed for the absorption of fluids and vitamins, the formation of feces is completed here.

Inflammation of the S-shaped section is a fairly common phenomenon. In its anatomical structure, the sigmoid part of the intestine is similar to the Latin letter S (hence the name). Due to the large number of bends, fecal masses are delayed here, which leads to intoxication and inflammation. It occurs for several reasons:

Symptoms of the disease of the sigmoid colon

The most common disease of the sigmoid was sigmoiditis. The most common symptom is a sharp pulling pain in the left lower abdomen. The pain radiates to the left side or leg. Because the anatomical structure of the sigmoid colon does not imply a permanent location, then the pain may appear in an unexpected place.

With sigmoiditis, constipation, diarrhea with increased pain after defecation, belching (and even vomiting), and bloating appear. The pain intensifies during palpation. The doctor easily detects this department during palpation. The disease can vary in degree of neglect:

1. Catarrhal - inflammation is localized on the upper layers of the mucous membrane and does not penetrate deeper. This type of sigmoiditis does not cause any complications, it is easily treated with medication.
2. Erosive. In this case, the lower layers of the mucosa become inflamed, erosive foci appear, which can bleed. The patient is suffering from pain in the lower abdomen.

The disease of the sigmoid region often indicates a violation in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As an independent disease, it is very rare. The causes of inflammation of this part of the intestine are very diverse:

Surgery - this type of treatment is rarely used when tumors are found in the sigmoid region or a strong bend.

Drug treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician. If the patient's state of health worsens, hospitalization is carried out, followed by surgical intervention. Depending on the nature of the inflammation, various medications are prescribed:

• Antibiotics - to eliminate inflammation caused by bacteria;
• Adsorbents - to remove toxins;
• Antispasmodics will eliminate spasm of the intestinal muscles;
• Means to reduce swelling;
• Enzymes for digesting food;
• Probiotics - to normalize the microflora;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.

The drugs are given in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories and microclysters. With a running form, the patient is prescribed droppers with glucose.

Treatment of diseases lasts more than one month, and often requires a second course. With medication therapy, a prerequisite is diet.

It is able to prevent and cure intestinal diseases, is prescribed to restore the body, stop inflammatory processes, enrich the body nutrients. For a favorable outcome of treatment, it must be observed. It is forbidden to eat fatty, fried and spicy foods, flour products (they can cause fermentation).

The diet includes: fresh fruits and boiled vegetables, dried fruits and compotes from them, boiled low-fat fish, boiled or steamed dietary meat (rabbit, veal, chicken), bread containing coarse fiber (it will improve intestinal motility and speed up release).

All foods that can cause gas formation are excluded from the diet: cabbage, cucumbers and radishes, fried eggs, soups with fatty broth and fresh bread, pasta and carbonated drinks, sausages or sausages, sweets, fresh vegetables, milk. In remission, nutritional requirements can be relaxed.

When the diet is stopped, the disease returns. The patient must watch food all his life.

Along with the drug method, non-traditional types of treatment are used. If the diagnosis is confirmed, it is proposed to treat the disease with a decoction of chamomile, wild rose and plantain (herbs are sold in a pharmacy). Medicinal herbs are either used alone or used as a mixture.

Other diseases of the sigmoid colon

Diverticulosis is a disease characterized by thickening or protrusion of the sigmoid wall. This ailment occurs in old age in people over the age of 60 (less often in young people). The symptoms are:

• Frequent blurred pains in the lower abdomen.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Elevated temperature.

The patient may not be aware of the presence of the disease until the onset of the acute phase. There are three forms of the disease:

With a mild form of diverticulosis, a diet with plenty of fluids and antibiotics are prescribed. With advanced forms of the disease, hospitalization and surgical intervention are prescribed.

Polyps are glandular growths that are located on the intestinal mucosa. They don't show themselves. With a large accumulation of them, the patient complains of abdominal pain and diarrhea. When diagnosing polyps, surgical removal is prescribed. After recovery, the patient is regularly examined for the condition of the intestine. After the operation, a diet with a high content of fruits is prescribed. It is forbidden to eat fatty, fried and spicy foods.

Cancer - with the accumulation of polyps and a neglected form, the tumor becomes malignant. Diagnostic methods:

• General analysis of urine and blood;
• Coprogram;
• Colonoscopy.

Cancer can only be cured by surgery.

Following the rules of a healthy diet helps to prevent the onset of the disease. Inclusion in the diet of a sufficient amount of vegetable fiber and liquid will help avoid digestive problems. The number of meals should not be less than three, but it is better to eat 4 times a day in small portions. This technique will avoid intestinal overload and bloating.

A person should familiarize himself with the symptoms of diseases of the sigmoid colon and seek qualified help in time.

Source: gastrotract.ru

Diseases of the sigmoid colon: symptoms and signs of diseases, their treatment

Diseases of the sigmoid colon can be inflammatory (acute intestinal infections, ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis) or non-inflammatory in nature (cancer, polyps, malformations, etc.).

Difficulties arise in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, since clinical picture pretty similar. The changes found in the sigmoid colon are nonspecific and can be a manifestation of both nonspecific colitis and acute intestinal infection.

The defeat of the sigmoid colon rarely occurs in isolation, more often it is part of an extensive process that affects other parts of the intestine.

Majority pathological changes in the sigmoid colon, the following symptoms are manifested:

• pain in the abdomen, which is more often dependent on food intake and is non-localized;
• change in stool (constipation, diarrhea);
• the presence of pathological contents in the feces (blood, mucus);
• flatulence (bloating, rumbling);
• intoxication syndrome (fever, loss or lack of appetite, weight loss).

It is an anomaly in the development of the large intestine, its sigmoid part. It manifests itself in the form of lengthening of the intestine without a decrease in its diameter and is not accompanied by a change in the muscular wall of the sigmoid colon. It is diagnosed in 30% of the population and does not manifest itself clinically. Dolichosigma is detected in most cases in childhood when a child is examined for constipation.

There are several clinical forms of dolichosigma:

• latent form. It is discovered by chance during the examination, it is not clinically manifested by anything.
• pain form. Disturbed by pain in the abdomen, more often in its left half without irradiation.
• The dominance of constipation in the clinic. Dolichosigma is the cause of constipation in 25-40% of children. On palpation, fecal stones are felt in the abdomen, hard to the touch.
• mixed form.

Symptoms of dolichosigma appear when intestinal motility changes, when the evacuation function is disturbed and intestinal contents stagnate. Appears bloating, rumbling, abdominal pain, constipation. Against the background of congestion, intestinal dysbacteriosis develops, inflammatory changes that require urgent examination and treatment.

A diverticulum is a protrusion of the intestinal wall. The presence of multiple diverticula is referred to by the general term "diverticulosis". The main reason for the development of this condition is the weakness of the intestinal wall, which, under the influence of various factors, begins to protrude.

Risk factors for diverticulosis include the following:

• frequent constipation in history;
• long-term use of laxatives;
• intestinal dysbacteriosis, which is accompanied by bloating and flatulence;
• excess body weight;
• inflammatory processes in the intestine.

The course of this disease can be uncomplicated and complicated. In some people, diverticula are not clinically manifested, so a person is not always aware of their presence in the intestine.

The main symptoms of uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulosis include:

• pain in the abdomen without a clear localization, appear after eating;
• constipation, which can be replaced by diarrhea;
• rumbling, bloating (flatulence);
• color of feces without features.

A complicated course is said in the case when the evacuation of intestinal contents from the diverticulum is disturbed, inflammation develops - diverticulitis. It is manifested not only by symptoms from the sigmoid colon (pain, bloating, rumbling, etc.), but also by the appearance of signs of an inflammatory process: body temperature rises, mucus or blood appears in the feces, diarrhea becomes constant, abdominal pain intensifies, the color of feces changes . On palpation, the abdomen is painful in the projection of the diverticula on the anterior wall of the abdomen.

In extremely severe cases, diverticulitis leads to bleeding, the development of strictures (narrowing), perforation (violation of the integrity of the intestinal wall), intestinal obstruction, abscess, and can be fatal.

A polyp is a pedunculated tumor that grows from the intestinal wall. Polyps of the sigmoid colon, rectum, and stomach are most common. The true cause of the formation of polyps has not been fully established. Most polyps are asymptomatic. Glandular polyps are considered as a precancerous disease.

Adenocarcinoma of the intestine in 95% of cases develops from a benign polyp. In the presence of a plural number of polyps, the term "polyposis" is used, which in some cases is familial, therefore, hereditary polyposis syndromes are distinguished (Gardner's syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers, Turco, etc.).

Clinically manifested by cramping abdominal pain, mimic the clinic of incomplete intestinal patency. characteristic symptom with polyps - a strip of blood on the feces. The nature of the stool often remains unchanged. In an uncomplicated course, abdominal distension is rare.

The clinical picture of cancer depends on the stage of the malignant process, the structure of the tumor and the prevalence of the process. Of all malignant bowel processes, sigmoid colon cancer is detected in 25% of cases.

There is a triad of symptoms that are characteristic of the localization of the tumor in the sigmoid colon and the descending colon:

• The appearance of pathological discharge from anus, which may not be associated with the act of defecation. The discharge may be mucous, purulent or bloody.
• Intestinal disorders (diarrhea and constipation, urge to defecate - tenesmus), which may alternate.
• Formation of intestinal obstruction.

A person is concerned about cramping or aching pain in the left lower abdomen, which can spread to the groin, back. There are frequent urge to defecate, constipation or diarrhea. Blood impurities are detected in the feces. On examination, a tumor of a certain size is already detected by palpation of the abdomen.

At the same time, symptoms of severe anemia, general intoxication (fever, lack of appetite, weight loss, etc.) join the symptoms of damage to the sigmoid colon. Early stages may be asymptomatic.

A feature of tumors of the sigmoid colon is the early development of intestinal obstruction and bleeding.

Sigmoiditis is an inflammation of the sigmoid colon that occurs when inflammatory diseases known etiology - acute intestinal infections (escherichiosis, shigellosis, etc.) and unclear etiology (ulcerative colitis, deep cystic colitis, etc.). Very rarely manifests itself without the involvement of other parts of the large intestine.

TO general symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in the nature of the stool, loss of appetite. In acute intestinal infections, the clinical picture will have a number of features that depend on the characteristics of the pathogen.

In all forms of nonspecific ulcerative colitis, the sigmoid colon is affected. Diarrhea and bleeding in ulcerative colitis are the main symptoms, tenesmus, cramping abdominal pain before defecation, fever, and weight loss are also disturbing.

• nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
• Crohn's disease;
• acute intestinal infections;
• diffuse familial polyposis.

If at least one of the above symptoms appears, you must first contact a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. According to the results of the survey and the initial examination, a person is assigned additional methods for examining the sigmoid colon:

• Sigmoidoscopy. It is possible to examine the rectum and the lower part of the sigmoid colon with a sigmoidoscope. Using this method, the mucous walls of the intestine are examined, polyps, tumors, and erosive processes are detected. Biopsy material may be taken.
• Colonoscopy. A long advanced endoscope is used, which allows you to examine all parts of the large intestine, unlike a sigmoidoscope.
• CT (computed tomography). It is used to accurately determine the location of the tumor, its size, the presence of pathological formations that displace the intestine. Using this method, an inflammatory process in the sigmoid colon is detected.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). More informative method than computed tomography in cancer research. High resolution allows to detect neoplasms of the sigmoid colon without the introduction of contrast agents, accurately determines the size of tumors, the presence of metastases in other organs and tissues.
• Irrigography. The method is based on x-ray examination of the intestine with a contrast agent. With the help of irrigography, it is possible to determine developmental anomalies, the shape of the intestine, its length, peristalsis, the presence of pathological formations, the presence of obstruction, erosion.

Treatment of any disease is carried out in three directions:

1. etiological treatment. It is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.
2. pathogenic treatment. It is aimed at eliminating the pathological mechanisms at the heart of the disease.
3. symptomatic treatment. Designed to manage symptoms.

To implement these areas, medical and surgical methods of treatment are used.

TO surgical methods include:

1. Resection of the intestine (removal of the intestine).
2. Endoscopic removal of polyps.

Surgical treatment is primarily used in the treatment of polyps and cancerous processes; there is no full-fledged drug replacement. Chemotherapy is prescribed as an adjuvant treatment.

For the treatment of diseases of the sigmoid colon, drugs from different pharmaceutical groups are used:

• antibacterial drugs (mesalazine, cyclosporine).
• antispasmodics (no-shpa, papaverine).
• antidiarrheals (loperamide, smecta).
• laxatives (forlax, duphalac).
• prokinetics (motilium, itopride).
• enzymatic preparations (mikrazim, festal).
• hemostatic agents (epsilon-aminocaproic acid, sodium etamsylate).
• glucocorticosteroids (prednisolone, budesonide).
• cytostatics (azathioprine, methotrexate).
• anti-inflammatory (infliximab, etc.).

Compliance with a number preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases of the sigmoid colon:

• personal hygiene reduces the risk of developing acute intestinal infections;
• food rich in fiber ensures normal intestinal motility, reducing the frequency of constipation;
• timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the sigmoid colon;
• physical activity contributes to the normal functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract;
• timely removal of polyps.