Brief Review: Rethinking Colonic Redundancy in Gastroenterology.

BACKGROUND

Dolichocolon (DC), or colonic redundancy, is an elongated and tortuous colon described as early as 1820, yet it remains underrecognized in clinical gastroenterology. Advances in imaging and motility assessment offer new insights into its prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications.

AIMS: To summarize current evidence on the anatomy, epidemiology, and potential clinical significance of DC and to explore possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking this variant to gastrointestinal disorders.

METHODS

A targeted literature review of studies published between 1900 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed and Scopus with search terms including dolichocolon, colonic redundancy, and redundant colon. Publications addressing anatomy, motility, symptom associations, and disease relevance were included.

RESULTS

Though epidemiological data are limited, it has been estimated that DC affects 10-20% of the population and is associated with constipation, volvulus, and, possibly, inflammatory bowel disease. Proposed mechanisms include segmental stasis and ischemia in redundant loops, altered neuromuscular signaling, and increased mucosal surface area promoting immune-microbiota interactions. Despite its potential importance, DC is rarely noted in modern radiology reports, contributing to under-recognition in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Colonic redundancy represents a common anatomic variant with potentially overlooked clinical implications. Standardized radiologic characterization and prospective studies are needed to clarify its role in gastrointestinal disorders and to guide future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.