How to diagnose and treat spontaneous colonic perforation

Spontaneous perforation of the colon is defined as a sudden perforation of the normal colon without any diseases such as tumor external injury. It is rare, often misdiagnosed and has a high mortality rate. A group led by Huai-Kun Ni from Fuding City Hospital of China investigated the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous perforation of the colon, and this will be published on July 28, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

They retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 10 cases of spontaneous perforation of the colon, observed at Fuding hospital from January 2004 to December 2007. Seven patients had a history of chronic constipation. All patients complained of sudden lower abdominal pain. The perforation occurred after coloclysis and administration of senna leaves in two patients. Nine patients had signs of peritoneal irritation. Seven cases underwent abdominal paracentesis, which was diagnostic in six. Only one case was definitely diagnosed prior to surgery. One patient underwent neoplasty of the colon, another a partial resection of colon, six a neoplasty of the colon plus sigmoid colostomy, and two underwent Hartmann surgery. All perforation sites were opposite to the mesenteric edge. The perforation sites were located on descending colon in one case, sigmoid colon in three cases, and rectosigmoid colon in six cases. In five patients, surgical pathological examination was consistent with the microscopical changes of colonic perforation caused by feces. Three patients died after surgery. This study may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous colonic perforation.

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Reference: Yang B, Ni HK. Diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous colonic perforation: An analysis of 10 cases

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It’s time to talk a little bit about irritable bowel syndrome symptoms or IBS symptoms because there is one thing that should always be remembered when it comes to digestive system related problem like this one: symptoms can vary from person to person and only your doctor should exactly analyze them for you, in order to make sure you get a proper diagnosis.

However, there are a few symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome that usually stand out of the pack and these are: bloating, constipation (or diarrhea) and abdominal pain or discomfort in the lower right part of the abdomen (or the lower left part). Since I am a constipation IBS “owner”, I can tell you out of my own experience that you can generally try to have a bowel movement without managing to eliminate anything and that’s a common thing. Also, you can have cramps or feel spasms of your bowel, but these things usually go away after defecation. However, it is common for people with IBS to leave the bathroom with the feeling of not emptying the waste (actually, this was one of the most clear signs for me!)

Other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can be excessive bloating and swelling of the abdomen and even the need to pass more wind. Together with these might come other symptoms like headaches, tiredness, backache and muscle pains. After all, there are many people who associate stress with IBS and they might be right.

Any of these symptoms might come mixed up with others, too and they can also completely go away for a few months, just to return as if nothing happened. Actually, that is one of the main things regarding the irritable bowel syndrome: symptoms come and go and usually change in between, especially from constipation to diarrhea. But one thing is clear: even though you can generally tell for yourself, after reading the list above, if you have IBS or not, the best thing to do is to go and ask your doctor.

And, if you have the power to do so, watch a pretty funny Youtube video I found today which kind of goes hand in hand with our topic of symptoms for IBS. If you are easily offended, don’t watch it!

Things to Know about Your Irritable Bowel Syndrome

When it comes to problems with your colon/intestines (just like with any other disease) it is best to know as much as possible about your problems, since that’s the first step into curing them. However, there are a few “must knows” when it comes to IBS – everybody has to start from somewhere, right? Here is a list with the most notable things you should know:

First of all, you can’t blame something specific for your irritable bowel syndrome: the causes vary. It can be anything from stress to a random way of living, to eating unhealthy food or lack of exercise.

It is necessary to have a specialist investigate your problems and make sure it is indeed an irritable bowel syndrome (I would recommend visiting two doctors, just to be sure you’re fighting against the right illness and you use the best weapons).

The symptoms could last for entire years, even if you stick to the diet and help your body with medicine. Support from the close ones is necessary, since there will be many moments you’ll be ready to give up to temptations (trust me it’s like that – been there, done that :D).

Fortunately, the irritable bowel syndrome rarely kills – there are very few cases in which patients who followed the treatment and diet had any complications.
Basically, that’s the secret for a healthy colon (and abdomen): a balanced lifestyle, avoiding excess of any kind (such as drinking, smoking, unhealthy, greasy food), taking your time to relax and don’t work too much, plus exercise. All doctors will tell you that these few things will help your overall health dearly.

Got the Symptoms? Not Necessary Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Usually, the symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome are: discomfort or abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea (in some cases these can alternate). Also, after defecation there is usually a feeling of incomplete evacuation, following by bloating and more abdominal pain. Also, headaches and unusual need to urinate can follow and bug the patients.

However, there is some good news for you: if you have these symptoms, it doesn’t necessary mean that you have an irritable bowel syndrome! Here are a few things you should take into account if you have these symptoms:

Infectious diseases – there are so many microbial agents, pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa or parasites that they can literally affect any given part of a human’s body, including the entire digestive system. There are some parasites that can provoke similar symptoms, but usually they come with other symptoms, too, which have nothing to do with the irritable bowel syndrome, so they are pretty easy to eliminate.

As strange as this sounds, lactose intolerance could be one of the problems for your colon and intestines, especially because, as people grow older, there is a natural decrease in lactase activity in the body. It is generally hard do diagnose as a standalone disease without medical consultation, but there are hints about it: if, after drinking some milk, eating a yoghurt or butter or cheese you don’t feel too well, it’s probably this and not an irritable bowel syndrome.

However, it is usually celiac disease which has the same symptoms as the IBS and it is generally mistaken with it. The only early signs hinting towards a celiac disease and not an irritable bowel syndrome is mouth ulcerations and predominant diarrhea.

So, as you can see, it’s pretty hard to have a clear insight on the problems all by yourself and, for the best results, it’s better to consult a medic on the situation. Also, after having the confirmation of an irritable bowel syndrome, regular medical consults are needed just to be sure there is not a celiac disease. Good luck and stay healthy!