Generality
Dolicocolon is a "gastrointestinal tract abnormality characterized by the presence of a longer than normal colon.
The dolicocolon can have a congenital nature - that is, be present from birth - or acquired, that is, appear in the course of life following a certain event or lifestyle.
Typically, an accurate diagnosis of dolicocolon requires: physical examination, medical history, abdominal x-ray, and colonoscopy.
Dolicocolon therapy depends mainly on the severity of the symptoms: if the symptoms are mild, a conservative treatment is sufficient, aimed above all at combating constipation; if, on the other hand, the symptoms are very severe, and strongly affect the patient's quality of life, it is necessary to resort to surgery, in order to restore the normal anatomy of the colon.
