Dolichocolon

Abstract

A plea is made for the recognition of a disorder of the colon, commonly encountered in the elderly, which is characterized by elongation (and also by dilatation) of the colon, especially the sigmoid. It may give rise to symptoms which suggest a diagnosis of carcinoma. The condition is believed to be acquired, and is an important aetiological factor in the development of sigmoid and, less frequently, of caecal volvulus.