"Large bowel obstructions are characterised by colonic distension proximal to the obstruction, with collapse distally. In some cases, the point of obstruction and site of obstruction are not the same, with the point of obstruction located distal to the apparent cut-off point, e.g. an obstructing sigmoid tumour may present with an apparent cut-off at the splenic flexure."
"In some patients, especially those not considered fit to have a general anaesthetic, or who have extensive systemic disease, a self-expanding colonic stent may be used to decompress the colon 2. Stents can also serve as a bridge to elective surgery in operable patients (allowing bowel preparation and single-stage resection) 8."
"toxic megacolon secondary to Clostridioides difficile colitis"
"C. difficile infection is usually preceded by antibiotic use or chemotherapy and is therefore usually encountered in unwell, hospitalised patients with significant co-morbidity"
"Treatment depends on the underlying cause and presentation, but in all cases, resuscitation and correction of electrolyte imbalances should be carried out."
"often history contains cause for ileus (e.g. surgery)"