Large Bowel Disorders & Treatment
Large bowel large intestine intestine disorders
Large bowel or large intestine disorders can affect the body in many forms. Know the signs and learn about the treatments.
Large Bowel Disorders

The large bowel, also known as the colon or large intestine, begins at the region just at or below the right waist and continues from the small intestine and up the abdomen. The major function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmit the useless waste material from the body.

Many disorders can affect the large intestine or colon, including:

Appendicitis

Chronic diarrhea

Colon (colorectal) cancer

Colonic dismotility

Crohn’s disease (Inflammatory bowel disease)

Diverticulitis

Fecal incontinence — accidental stool leaks/pelvic floor disorders

Intestinal ischemia

Intestinal obstructions

Irritable bowel syndrome

Polyps

Rectal prolapse

Ulcerative colitis

C difficile infection (Clostridium)

Signs and symptoms of large bowel disorders

The types of symptoms that can occur with a large bowel disorder are dependent on what part of the large bowel is affected. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, as well as come and go with periods of flare-ups. In addition, bowel problems can accompany other symptoms, which can vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.

Some of the more common symptoms of large bowel disorders include:

Abdominal pain

Abdominal swelling, distension or bloating

Bloody stool (blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)

Constipation

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Fever and chills

Gas

Inability to defecate or pass gas

Nausea with or without vomiting

Other symptoms may be present with a large bowel disorder which can affect a patient’s general health and wellness such as:

Anxiety

Depression

Loss of appetite

Malnutrition

Skin and hair conditions

Unexplained weight loss

Weakness (loss of strength)

Diagnosis of large bowel disorders

In order to diagnose what type of large bowel disorder a patient is experiencing or the severity of the disorder, your doctor will first conduct a complete medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may also be used to assist in developing a treatment plan for your condition, and may include:

Barium enema. Also known as a lower GI series; a barium solution is placed into the colon, and x-rays are taken.

Barium swallow. Also known as an upper GI series; the barium solution is used to coat the inner lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, and x-rays are taken.

Blood tests

Breath tests with lactose. A safe, simple and non-invasive method of assessing absorption. The test uses a nutrient that contains radioactive material which is measured in the breath.

Colonoscopy: A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is used to look at the inner lining of the large intestine. This test helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Tissue samples can be collected (biopsy) and abnormal growths can be taken out. This test can also be used as a screening test for cancer or precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum.

Less-invasive testing. Blood tests are available to help with a diagnosis. The Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a newer version of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) that detects minute traces of blood in the stool.

Capsule endoscopy may be performed to provide an enhanced view of the lower digestive tract which may not be visible with a traditional colonoscopy.

Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure used to see inside the rectum and the area of the large intestine nearest the rectum.

Imaging tests. X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI, PET scans

MRI

Radio-nucleotide imaging: Typically used for diverticulitis and detection of gastrointestinal bleeding. A radioactive substance is injected into a vein. If there is intestinal bleeding, the radioactive substance will leak into the intestine together with the blood.

Ultrasound: Good for the detection of large intestinal tumors.

Treatment of large bowel disorders

In some cases, your physician may suggest a few simple measures to determine if your symptoms will subside, such as:

Avoid smoking

Avoid foods that trigger the symptoms

Exercise

Increase dietary fiber

Maintain a healthy weight

Medications (i.e., over-the-counter or prescription medications)

Some conditions, such as C difficile infection, will be treated in collaboration with other Summa clinicians, including our colorectal surgeons and infectious disease specialists.

As an advanced treatment measure, your specialist may recommend surgery. Summa surgeons perform many large bowel procedures including:

Colon and rectal surgery

Polyp removal

Rectal prolapse

Sacral nerve implants/stimulation for accidental stool leakage