Normal Colon, Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis - Case Study Example

Histology Histology Normal Colon Colon is a long, continuous tube running from abdomen to the anus. It is the region where absorption of nutrients and water take place. A colon is about five feet long and three inches in diameter. It is covered by a velvety tissue. The colon takes up water from wastes and creates stool. The surface of the colon has many tight circular folds to increase surface area for absorption of nutrients. The folds also slow down movement of the food in the intestines in order to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients. The folds are covered with villi to increase surface area for absorption of nutrients. The colon is also masculine to aid in movement of food through the esophagus. The muscles contract and relax rhythmically to facilitate peristalsis. The colon is also long this ensures nutrients remain in the colon for long period to maximize absorption. The reddish appearance of the colon indicates presence of blood capillaries. Capillaries bring in oxygen for oxidation and takes away absorbed food. (Odze & Goldblum 2009, p. 10) It has a pouch like projection called cecum that collects undigested food from the ileum. It is the first section of the large intestine. Cecum has a valve that separates it from the ileum. The valve regulates the amount of food getting into the cecum and prevents backflow of food into the ileum. The main function of the cecum is to absorb water and salts. The epithelium of the colon is thin. It enables food to diffuse through the colon at a higher rate. The colon also has gland that resembles test tubes on their walls called crypts of Lieberkühn. The crypts are embedded in the epithelial lining to enable them secrete enzymes which in turn secrete mucous to lubricate the colon. In addition to this, crypts secrete hydrochloric Acid which kills any bacteria in the nutrients (Odze & Goldblum 2009, p. 66). The colon has a lining called mucosa. Mucosa secretes mucus which lubricates the colon to aid in peristalsis. The epithelium lining of the colon also has various goblet cells which secrete mucus. The mucus is used neutralize acid in the stomach. In addition to this, the mucus hinders enzymes from digesting the internal walls of the colon (Wolff 2010, p. 33) Crohn’s Disease Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It mostly affects the intestine though it can affect any part from the mouth to anus. It is associated with the fistulae and ulcers. Crohns disease compels the immune system to attack healthy cells within gastrointestinal tract leading to inflammation. It is usually classified as autoimmune disorder because the body releases antibodies that work against it (Wolff 2010, p. 33). Crohns disease can result into various complications that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, the specimens in the diagrams illustrate the common complication of Crohns disease. The first complication shown is the formation of scar on colon tissue and some swellings. The changes have narrowed the intestinal passage and thickened bowel walls. The narrowed walls have led to formation of mild strictures. If the condition is persistent and does not respond to medication, surgery would be the best remedy to curb it. There is also accumulated of pus a condition called abscess. Abscess is caused by bacterial infection that makes the colon appear though it is bulging out, leading to swelling and formation of boils as shown on the diagrams. The condition is managed through lancing. Once the pus is drained, the condition is resolved. The remaining issues are treated by administering antibiotics (Potter 2012, p. 90). There are also ulcers or deep sores called fistulas within the specimens. If the condition is not managed properly, the sores may become deeper and tunnel into other tissues like bladder or skin. Large and multiple fistulas are managed through surgery while small fistulas are diagnosed using antibiotics. There are also some observable cracks or tears in the lining of gastrointestinal tract. They are managed using sitz baths or treated using topical creams. Other observable features of the gastrointestinal tract include swollen parts, frequent ulcerations and inflamed regions. The inflammation is discontinuous and patchy. They are also deeper and larger and appear reddish (Potter 2012, p. 137). Israel scientists at Meir Medical Center have discovered marijuana can be an effective cure for Crohns disease. The scientists discovered that smoking marijuana leads to complete remission of the disease. Besides that, patients using marijuana reported to have improved sleep, appetite and reduced pains (Sklar 2011, p. 49). Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that causes sores and inflammation called ulcers. It mostly affects the colon and rectum. Infected colon is not able to absorb water from stool because the inflammation leads to loss of the colon lining. It normally causes abdominal discomfort, bleeding, diarrhea and production of pus. The specimen shown in diagram illustrates complications resulting from Ulcerative colitis. One of the specimens has been perforated due to ulceration and chronic inflammation. It weakens the walls of colons leading to development of holes (Sklar 2011, p. 109). The thickness of the specimen is also damaged in a condition called fulminant colitis. It occurs when fatal inflammation causes the large intestines to swell and become extremely dilated. The inflammation has also led to development of ulcers or tiny open sores. The colon also appears reddish and swollen. Lastly, there are weak points in the colon lining that form small pouches called diverticuli and small growths called polyps (Saibil 2011, p. 202). Treatment of ulcerative colitis is done to regulate immune system to function better because there is no known cure for the ailment. Medication administered is used to repress the inflammation of the large intestine allowing tissue to heal. It is also a requirement for patients to maintain a healthy diet that enables them to reduce their symptoms, promote healing and replace lost nutrients. Lastly, surgery should be considered in a situation where medical therapy is not adequate. The process involves removal of the infected colon. Depending on the extent of the disease, overall health and age of the patient, a doctor can recommend either of the two surgical methods used to contain ulcerative colitis. The first surgical procedure entails the removal of the entire large intestine and fixing an external stoma on the skin for discharge of waste products. The second procedure entails the removal of the colon but a pouch is created. It is later attached to the anal sphincter muscle for discharge of waste products (Saibil 2011, p. 251). Reference List Odze, R. D., & Goldblum, J. R., 2009. Surgical pathology of the GI tract, liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. Philadelphia, PA, Saunders/Elsevier. Potter, C., 2012. Coping with Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, New York, Rosen Pub. Group. Saibil, F., 2011.  Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis: everything you need to know: the complete practical guide. Richmond Hill, Ont, Firefly Books. Sklar, J., 2011. Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis: an essential guide for the newly diagnosed. New York, Marlowe and Co. Wolff, B., 2010. The ASCRS textbook of colon and rectal surgery, New York, Springer. Read More