Treatment for megacolon depends on whether it is chronic or acute (toxic). For chronic megacolon, management includes high-fiber diets, laxatives, stool softeners, and prokinetic medications. For acute or toxic megacolon, which is a medical emergency, treatment includes intravenous fluids, antibiotics to prevent infection, or corticosteroids if caused by inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel decompression using a rectal tube or colonoscopy is often used to relieve pressure. If these treatments fail, or if there is a risk of bowel rupture, surgery (colectomy) to remove part or all of the colon is necessary.