2. Functional Impact: The enlarged lumen often leads to stool retention, causing bacterial overgrowth and toxin accumulation. Patients may experience bloating, flatulence, and discomfort after meals. Chronic cases can contribute to systemic symptoms like fatigue and headaches due to prolonged toxin exposure.

3. Associated Risks: Long-term expansion may predispose individuals to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or colonic inertia.

– Digestive Dysfunction: Impaired nutrient absorption and slowed metabolism.

– Loss of Appetite: Reduced hunger due to prolonged fecal retention and gastric feedback inhibition.

– Chronic Constipation: Hard, infrequent stools accompanied by straining during defecation.

2. Mechanical Stress: The colon’s muscular layer may develop compensatory hypertrophy (thickening), exacerbating the stenosis. Patients often report a sensation of “intestinal tension” or cramping in the right abdominal quadrant.

3. Secondary Complications: Persistent narrowing can lead to fecal impaction or even partial bowel obstruction in severe cases.

2. Abdominal Distension: Gas accumulation due to disrupted motility, often worsening postprandially.

3. Auscultatory Findings: Hyperactive or hypoactive bowel sounds, depending on the degree of obstruction or inflammation.

4. Chronic Diverticulosis Tendency: Recurrent episodes indicate weakened intestinal walls, where mucosal herniation forms pouches (diverticula). These are prone to infection (diverticulitis) and may bleed if eroded. Long-term risks include abscess formation or fistula development.

– Dark radial furrows in the intestinal zone (indicating chronic stenosis).

– Whitish or cloudy patches (suggesting mucosal inflammation).

– Lacunae (crypts) in the ascending colon zone, correlating with diverticular disease.

– Conventional Diagnostics: Confirmation requires:

– Colonoscopy: Visual assessment of luminal changes.

– Barium Enema: Radiographic imaging for structural abnormalities.

– CT/MRI: To evaluate complications like abscesses.

2. Pharmacotherapy: – Probiotics to restore gut flora. – Antispasmodics for cramping.

3. Surgical Options: Reserved for severe stenosis or recurrent diverticulitis.