The longest known case of constipation involved an unnamed 22-year-old man from China, who experienced the condition since birth.
The Record-Holding Case of Chronic Constipation
In a remarkable medical case, an unnamed 22-year-old man from China was found to have suffered from constipation for his entire life. This extreme condition led to the surgical removal of nearly 13 kilograms (approximately 28.6 pounds) of faecal matter from his intestine. The severity of his condition highlights the rare and debilitating impact of chronic digestive issues.
Key Details of the Case
The specifics of this extraordinary instance of prolonged constipation are summarized below:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration of Constipation | 22 years (since birth) |
| Patient Age at Diagnosis | 22 years old |
| Location | China |
| Faecal Matter Removed | Nearly 13 kg (28.6 lbs) |
| Underlying Condition | Hirschsprung disease (congenital) |
Understanding Hirschsprung Disease
The underlying cause of the man's lifelong constipation is believed to be Hirschsprung disease, a rare congenital condition affecting the large intestine.
What is Hirschsprung Disease?
- Congenital Condition: It is present at birth.
- Nerve Cell Deficiency: Hirschsprung disease occurs when nerve cells (ganglion cells) are missing in a segment of the large intestine. These nerve cells are crucial for the muscle contractions that push stool through the bowel.
- Blocked Passage: Without these nerve cells, the affected segment of the intestine cannot relax, leading to a functional obstruction. Stool builds up behind this section, causing the colon to enlarge significantly, a condition known as megacolon.
- Symptoms: Infants with Hirschsprung disease typically show symptoms soon after birth, including failure to have a bowel movement within the first 48 hours, a swollen belly, vomiting, and difficulty feeding. In rare, less severe cases, or when diagnosis is delayed, symptoms can persist into childhood or even adulthood, leading to extreme chronic constipation as seen in this case.
The Severity and Medical Intervention
Long-term, untreated constipation due to conditions like Hirschsprung disease can lead to severe health complications. The build-up of faecal matter can cause the colon to become immensely distended, risking rupture or severe infection. Surgical intervention is often necessary to remove the affected segment of the bowel and restore normal intestinal function. In this specific instance, the removal of 13 kg of impacted stool underscores the critical need for medical attention in cases of persistent and severe constipation.
