BIOC34H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Fecolith, Diverticulitis, Diverticulosis
Document Summary
Lecture 22: large intestinal disorders, pancreas and liver: disorders of the large intestine. The appendix can become blocked by digested foodstuffs, which can cause inflammation and infection. This is called appendicitis and, should the appendix rupture, the resulting bacterial infection throughout the body cavity (peritonitis) is usually fatal. Another disorder of the large intestine (colon) is the formation of a fecalith which is compacted feces. This can be caused by a lack of fibre in the diet, and results in chronic constipation. In the worst cases, fecaliths need to be removed surgically or scooped out via the anus. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are primarily disorders of the sigmoid colon. Diverticulosis is due to a weakening of the muscle surrounding the colon that causes the intestinal lining to form extruding. Diverticulitis is when these pouches become infected and inflamed, which leads to intense abdominal pain (on the left side) and, in severe cases, perforation of the intestines and peritonitis.
