Typhlitis

Typhlitis 

(also cecitis), inflammation of the cecum. Typhlitis results from failure of the cecum to empty itself of its contents—for example, because of lengthening or prolapse of the intestine or in the case of a tumor—or because of prolonged retention and excessive fermentation or putrefaction of its contents. Less frequently, typhlitis is a complication of acute appendicitis occurring when the inflammation moves from the vermiform appendix to the intestinal wall. The symptoms of typhlitis are pain in the right abdomen, swelling of the cecum, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and increased body temperature. The condition may be acute or chronic. The patient’s stools, which are analyzed for diagnostic purposes, may contain mucus and sometimes pus and blood. Treatment is the same as for colitis. A spare diet and enemas are prescribed. Surgery is performed in some cases.