If using laxatives, Melanosis coli is a complication, it appears as a dark brown discoloration of the colon; the functional importance is not clear [105]. Also, cathartic colon is a severe manifestation of prolonged laxative use. Chronic use of stimulant laxatives may cause permanent harm and render the colon inert and incapable of propagating fecal material [110]. These changes arise from inflammation of the mucosa, alterations in muscular layers of the colon, and degeneration of the myenteric and Auerbach’s nerve plexi caused by a direct toxic effect from the stimulant laxatives. Microscopically, the colon shows thinning of the microvilli and abnormalities within cytoplasmic organelles. As a result of these changes, slowed or absent transit
