Colon Specialist

What is the colon?

The colon also called the large intestine, removes water, salt, and surplus nutrients from the body in the form of stool. The colon's walls are lined with specific muscles which squeeze the contents along and out of the body. Billions of bacteria spread over the interior surface of the colon and its contents, creating a healthy balance within the body. The colon plays a very important role in digestion and at Colon and Rectal Surgery, the doctors are trained to address any issues which could develop.

What conditions affect the colon?

• Colitis- This condition causes swelling of the colon and is usually caused by inflammatory bowel disease or infections.
• Diverticulosis- Tiny, weak areas in the colon's wall allow the lining to jut through. This creates tiny pouches known as diverticuli.
• Diverticulitis- Here, the diverticuli become inflamed or infected.
• Colon bleeding- Several potential colon issues could cause bleeding.
• Crohn's disease- An inflammatory bowel disease which affects the large intestines and causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Ulcerative colitis- An inflammatory bowel disease which affects the colon and rectum.
• Diarrhea- Stools which are frequent, loose, or watery. This is usually caused by mild infections of the colon or small intestine.
• Salmonellosis- When the bacteria salmonella infects the intestine it can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps.
• Shigellosis- When the colon is infected with the bacteria shigella it can cause symptoms like stomach cramps, fever, and diarrhea.
• Travelers' diarrhea- often, several different bacteria are present in the water or food of developing nations. When these are ingested, they can infect the body causing loose stools and sometimes nausea or fever.
• Colon Polyps- These are small growths inside the colon.
• Colon cancer- Cancer which develops inside the colon.

What tests are used to check the health of the colon?

• Colonoscopy- An endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire colon.
• Virtual colonoscopy- An X-ray machine and a computer display images of the inside of the colon.
• Stool occult blood testing- This tests for blood in the stool.
• Sigmoidoscopy- An endoscope is inserted into the rectum to view the left side of the colon.
• Colon biopsy- During a colonoscopy, a small piece of colon tissue can be excised for testing.