Giant Megacolon: An Unusual Surgical Emergency

Giant megacolon (GMC), an advanced form of chronic megacolon, is an uncommon diagnosis that may evolve into a surgical emergency. Here, we demonstrate a case of an elderly male who presented to our hospital with complaints of acute abdominal distention and diffuse abdominal pain. He was emergently taken to the operating room where necrotic cecum was found. The patient underwent total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy. Radiographic and operative images of GMC are presented. The authors also discuss the pathophysiology and clinical management of this surgical condition. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care.