The large intestine refers to the organs of the digestive tract. This section of the gastrointestinal tract has the widest clearance. In the large intestine, feces are formed, as well as the absorption of water from digested food residues. This body is divided into 5 anatomical departments. One of them is the transverse colon. It represents the central department. As in other parts of the large intestine, pathological processes can develop in it. A gastroenterologist and surgeon are involved in the treatment of this organ.
Anatomical structure of the transverse colon
The transverse section of the colon is located between the ascending and descending parts. It runs from the hepatic to the splenic bend. The transverse section is in the form of a loop. It may be above or below the umbilical ring. In some cases, the transverse colon reaches the small pelvis. In terms of length, it is considered the longest (about 50 cm).
Inside this department is represented by the mucous membrane. The transverse intestine is lined with a cylindrical single-layer epithelium. The plate of the mucous membrane consists of fibrous connective tissue. It contains exocrine glands and accumulations of lymphoid cells. In the submucosal layer there are blood and lymph vessels, as well as nerves. The muscular membrane is represented by smooth muscles. There are 3 sphincters throughout the transverse colon. The first is in the proximal region, the second is in the middle part, the third is in the splenic bend.
The mesentery of the transverse colon is located on the posterior wall of the abdomen. It has blood and lymph vessels. The transverse intestine is covered with peritoneum on all sides. Therefore, it refers to intraperitoneal anatomical formations.
The importance of the transverse colon in the body
The transverse section of the large intestine is median. It performs the following functions:
- The development of the secret necessary for the formation of end products - excrement. Exocrine glands are involved in the breakdown of fiber.
- Promotion of contents along the intestinal lumen. It is carried out thanks to the presence of special tapes - gaustres, as well as sphincters.
- Absorption of fluid from chyme, fat-soluble vitamins, glucose and amino acids.
The transverse colon is of great importance, since all these functions are necessary for the implementation of the digestive process. In the lumen of this department there are many bacteria that make up the normal microflora. They are necessary to maintain acid-base balance. In addition, normal microflora is involved in the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria.
Transverse colon: topography
Above the transverse section of the colon are the digestive organs. Among them - the liver, gall bladder, spleen. In front, the transverse intestine is adjacent to the anterior abdominal wall. Therefore, it is well accessible by palpation. The lower edge of the organ is adjacent to the loops of the small intestine. The pancreas, left kidney and duodenum are located behind. These anatomical formations are separated from the transverse colon by the mesacolon, the mesentery. It provides blood supply and outflow of lymph from this department.
An omentum is located between the transverse colon and the large curvature of the stomach. It forms a bunch. Blood supply to the organ is carried out by branches from the upper and lower mesenteric artery.
Causes of the pathology of the transverse colon
Damage to the transverse colon can occur due to various reasons. In some cases, diseases form in early childhood or in the prenatal period. This is due to improper laying of fetal tissues. Other causes of pathologies include the following effects:
- Mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa.
- Bacterial and viral lesions.
- Functional disorders resulting from neurological diseases.
- Chemical exposure.
- The occurrence of neoplasms in the lumen of the transverse colon.
- Acute and chronic circulatory disorders in the mesenteric vessels.
- Chronic destructive processes.
All these causes lead to impaired functioning of the transverse colon. As a result, digestive upset occurs. All pathological conditions require treatment. Indeed, in its absence, stagnation of feces and intoxication of the whole organism occurs.
Diseases of the transverse colon
If you experience abdominal pain, you should pay attention to whether the transverse colon is not affected. Symptoms of damage may vary. Clinical manifestations depend on the pathological process that developed in the patient. The following groups of diseases of the transverse colon are distinguished:
- Chronic non-specific inflammatory processes. These include ulcerative colitis, leading to the destruction of the colon wall.
- Specific inflammatory pathologies. An example is Crohn's disease. The entire digestive tract can undergo destruction, but more often the lesion sites are localized in the lumen of the small and large intestines.
- Acute inflammatory diseases - colitis. They develop due to infectious viral and bacterial lesions.
- Tumor diseases of the transverse colon. Subdivided into benign processes and cancer.
- Injuries to the abdomen, leading to damage to the organ wall.
- Functional impairment.
- Obstruction of the transverse intestine with feces, accumulation of parasites, tumor process.
- Violation of mesenteric circulation due to thrombosis, embolism.
In early childhood, congenital intestinal pathologies are detected. These include Hirschsprung's disease, cystic fibrosis, megacolon.
Symptoms of the pathology of the transverse colon
Signs of diseases of the transverse colon include: pain, violation of the consistency of the stool and the act of defecation, symptoms of intoxication. Unpleasant sensations in the navel or slightly below its level can be observed in any pathological condition. If the disease is caused by pathogens of intestinal infection, they will be very pronounced. In this case, there is a frequent loose stool, which may contain various impurities - mucus, blood. In some infectious processes, feces acquire a characteristic color and smell (in the form of “swamp mud”, “frog caviar”, “rice broth”). Dysentery is characterized by severe cramping in the left abdomen and false desires for an act of defecation.
In chronic inflammatory processes, discomfort in the abdomen, diarrhea, followed by a delay in stool, are periodically noted. Damage to the intestinal wall leads to the formation of bleeding ulcers.
Vascular disorders, stagnation of feces and congenital anomalies lead to the development of bowel obstruction. This disease refers to acute surgical conditions. Regardless of the cause of the obstruction, help is required immediately.
Benign neoplasms in the intestines
A benign tumor of the transverse colon can arise from any tissue that makes up the wall of the organ. The varieties of this group of diseases include: polyp, myoma, fibroma, hemangioma. Benign neoplasms are characterized by the fact that they grow in the lumen of the organ without affecting the thickness of the wall. A common type of tumor is a transverse colon polyp. It is a small growth, turned into the cavity of the organ. With small sizes of formation, the polyp may not appear in any way. However, it must be deleted. Due to the constant passage of feces through the intestine, a benign tumor is damaged, may bleed or become infected. There is a high risk that the polyp will “outgrow” into the oncological process.
Malignant tumors of the transverse colon
Colorectal cancer affects the elderly, but can also occur in young patients. Most often, it occurs against a background of chronic inflammatory pathologies, polyposis. The symptoms of cancer include pain, impaired stool, with large tumor sizes - bowel obstruction. In advanced cases, patients can not eat, there is an increase in inguinal lymph nodes, fever, weight loss and weakness.
Transverse colon: treatment of pathologies
Treatment of diseases of the transverse colon can be conservative and prompt. In the first case, antibacterial drugs are used (Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin preparations), anti-inflammatory drugs. Diarrhea is an indication for rehydration therapy. The liquid is administered in various ways. If the patient's condition is satisfactory, they give alkaline mineral water, a solution of "Rehydron". In severe cases, the fluid is injected into a vein. With diarrhea, Smecta and Hilak-fort medicines are prescribed, which contribute to the normalization of bowel function.
With destructive and oncological diseases, an operation is performed. It consists in resection of the transverse colon and stitching of the free ends. After surgery, it is necessary to follow a diet, since the restoration of organ functions does not occur immediately.