MORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SIGMOID INTESTINAL WALL IN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH SIGMOID ELONGATION

Sigmoid elongation, commonly referred to as dolichosigmoid, represents a significant developmental anomaly of the large intestine characterized by an abnormally lengthened and tortuous sigmoid colon. This congenital condition affects approximately 15-25% of the pediatric population, with varying degrees of clinical manifestation ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe functional bowel disorders. The pathophysiology of sigmoid elongation involves complex developmental processes during embryogenesis, resulting in altered intestinal morphology that can significantly impact gastrointestinal function and quality of life in affected children.