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.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic and often debilitating condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both conditions cause inflammation in the GI tract, leading to various symptoms and complications.

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.

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia lamblia. It is commonly contracted through consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms often include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, which can last for up to several weeks.

If you experience specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or blood in your stool your doctor may recommend a procedure known as sigmoidoscopy. This procedure allows your gastroenterologist to examine the lower part of your colon (sigmoid) for abnormal conditions.