The large intestine refers to the organs of the digestive tract. This section of the gastrointestinal tract has the widest lumen. In the large intestine, the formation of feces, as well as the absorption of water from digested food residues, is carried out. This organ is divided into 5 anatomical sections. One of them is the transverse colon. It is the central department. As in other parts of the large intestine, pathological processes can develop in it. This organ is treated by a gastroenterologist and a surgeon.
Anatomical structure of the transverse colon
The transverse colon is located between the ascending and descending parts. It runs from the hepatic to the splenic flexure. The transverse section is located in the form of a loop. It may be above or below the level of 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 a mucous membrane. Lines the transverse coloncolumnar squamous epithelium. The mucosal lamina is made up of fibrous connective tissue. It contains exocrine glands and accumulations of lymphoid cells. In the submucosal layer there are blood and lymphatic vessels, as well as nerves. The muscular layer is represented by smooth muscles. There are 3 sphincters throughout the transverse colon. The first is located in the proximal section, the second is in the middle part, the third is at the splenic flexure.
The mesentery of the transverse colon is located on the back wall of the abdomen. It contains blood and lymph vessels. The transverse colon 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:
- Development of the secret necessary for the formation of end products - excrement. Exocrine glands are involved in the breakdown of fiber.
- Promotion of contents through the intestinal lumen. It is carried out due to the presence of special tapes - gaustra, 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 digestive process. In the lumen of this section there are many bacteria that make up the normal microflora. They are necessary formaintaining acid-base balance. In addition, the normal microflora is involved in the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria.
Transverse colon: topography
Above the transverse section of the large intestine are the digestive organs. Among them are the liver, gallbladder, spleen. Anteriorly, the transverse colon is adjacent to the anterior abdominal wall. Therefore, it is well accessible to palpation. The lower edge of the organ is adjacent to the loops of the small intestine. Behind is the pancreas, left kidney and duodenum. These anatomical formations are separated from the transverse colon by means of mesacolon - the mesentery. It provides blood supply and lymph outflow from this department.
The omentum is located between the transverse colon and the greater curvature of the stomach. It forms a bond. The blood supply of the organ is carried out by branches from the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.
Causes of pathologies of the transverse colon
The defeat of the transverse colon can occur due to various reasons. In some cases, diseases are formed 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 impairment due to neurological diseases.
- Chemical effects.
- Occurrence of neoplasmsin the lumen of the transverse colon.
- Acute and chronic circulatory disorders in the mesenteric vessels.
- Chronic destructive processes.
All these causes lead to dysfunction of the transverse colon. The result is indigestion. All pathological conditions require treatment. Indeed, in its absence, there is stagnation of feces and intoxication of the whole organism.
Disorders of the transverse colon
If you experience abdominal pain, you should pay attention to whether the transverse colon is affected. Damage symptoms can vary. Clinical manifestations depend on the pathological process that has developed in the patient. The following groups of diseases of the transverse colon are distinguished:
- Chronic non-specific inflammatory processes. These include ulcerative colitis, which leads to destruction of the colon wall.
- Specific inflammatory pathologies. An example is Crohn's disease. The entire digestive tract can be destroyed, but more often the damage sites are localized in the lumen of the small and large intestines.
- Acute inflammatory diseases - colitis. Develop as a result of infectious viral and bacterial lesions.
- Tumor diseases of the transverse colon. Divided into benign processes and cancer.
- Injuries to the abdomen, leading to damage to the wall of the organ.
- Functional impairments.
- Obstruction of the transverse colon by feces, accumulation of parasites, tumor process.
- Impaired mesenteric circulation due to thrombosis, embolism.
In early childhood, congenital pathologies of the intestine are detected. These include Hirschsprung disease, cystic fibrosis, megacolon.
Symptoms of pathologies 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 an intestinal infection, then they will be strongly pronounced. In this case, frequent loose stools are noted, 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 spawn", "rice water"). Dysentery is characterized by severe cramps in the left abdomen and false urge to defecate.
In chronic inflammatory processes, discomfort in the abdomen, diarrhea, followed by stool retention, 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 intestinal obstruction. This disease refers to acute surgical conditions. Regardless of the cause of the blockage, help is needed 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. Varieties of this group of diseases include: polyp, myoma, fibroma, hemangioma. Benign neoplasms are characterized by the fact that they grow into the lumen of the organ without affecting the thickness of the wall. A common type of tumor is the polyp of the transverse colon. It is a small outgrowth facing the cavity of the organ. With a small size of the formation, the polyp may not manifest itself in any way. However, it must be removed. 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 "grow" into an oncological process.
Malignant tumors of the transverse colon
Cancer of the transverse colon affects the elderly, but can also develop in younger patients. Most often, it occurs against the background of chronic inflammatory pathologies, polyposis. Symptoms of cancer include pain, impaired stools, and with large tumors, intestinal obstruction. In advanced cases, patients cannot eat, there is an increase in inguinal lymph nodes, fever, weight loss and weakness.
Transverse colon: treatment of pathologies
Treatment of transverse colon diseases can be conservative andoperational. In the first case, antibacterial drugs are used (drugs "Ciprofloxacin", "Azithromycin"), anti-inflammatory drugs. Diarrhea is an indication for rehydration therapy. Fluid is administered in a variety of ways. If the patient's condition is satisfactory, they give alkaline mineral water, Regidron solution to drink. In severe cases, fluid is injected into a vein. With diarrhea, the medicines "Smecta", "Hilak-forte" are prescribed, which contribute to the normalization of the intestines.
In case of destructive and oncological diseases, an operation is performed. It consists in resection of the transverse colon and suturing of the free ends. After surgery, it is necessary to follow a diet, since the restoration of organ functions does not occur immediately.
