Intestine & Colon

A colon polyp is a growth on the surface of the colon, also called the large intestine. Sometimes, a person can have more than one colon polyp. Colon polyps can be raised or flat.

Many people have small pouches in the lining of the colon, or large intestine, that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Multiple pouches are called diverticula.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer.

The large intestine, also known as the colon or large bowel, plays an important role in making and absorbing vitamins, absorbing electrolytes and water, and forming and transporting stool toward the rectum so that it can be expelled. When the large intestine is operating properly, this process smoothly takes place over the course of 24 to 30 hours.