dolichocolon: a narrative review of an under-recognized disorder

Dolichocolon is an anatomical variant that is often under-recognized but has significant clinical implications.it is characterized by an abnormally elongated and redundant colon, distinguishing it from megacolon,which involves an increase in the colon's diameter. this condition can cause a wide range of gastrointestinalsymptoms, including persistent constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating, and may lead to potentially lifethreateningcomplications such as volvulus. imaging studies, including contrast studies, are essential forconfirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of colonic involvement. management strategies dependon the patient's clinical status and may be either conservative or surgical. conservative treatments includelifestyle and dietary adjustments, while surgical options involve partial or total colectomy, performed via openor laparoscopic approaches. this narrative review aims to raise clinical awareness of dolichocolon by providinga comprehensive overview, covering its historical context, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosticmethods, multifaceted treatment approaches, and current gaps in management.