Presented By: Asha Davidson and Asmani Patel
Dec 26, 2015
•Portion of the digestive tract between small intestine and anus•Approximately 1.5 m long •Consists of 6 sections:
• Cecum • Ascending colon• Transverse colon• Descending colon• Sigmoid colon • Rectum
Reabsorbs water and maintains the fluid balance of the body
Absorbs certain vitamins
Processes undigested material - Fiber
Stores waste before it is eliminated
The colon absorbs water from liquid stool that is delivered to it from the
small intestine
Connected to small intestine and anus
Hollow organ
The large intestine is a long hollow organ lined with mucous membrane
(mucosa). Muscle layers wrap around the entire length and help move food
material through to the rectum.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) The most common functional disorder of the intestine. Functional
constipation and chronic functional abdominal pain are other disorders of the intestine that have physiological causes, but do not have identifiable structural, chemical, or infectious pathologies. They are aberrations of normal bowel function but not diseases.
Diverticular Disease Diverticular Disease Condition that is very common in older people in industrialized
countries. It usually affects the large intestine but has been known to affect the small intestine as well. Diverticular disease occurs when pouches form on the intestinal wall. Once the pouches become inflamed it is known as Diverticulitis, (or Diverticular disease.)
Endometriosis Endometriosis Affects the intestines, with similar symptoms to IBS.
Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Comparatively rare event (usually developing sometime after major
bowel surgery). It is, however, hard to diagnose correctly, and if left uncorrected can lead to bowel infarction and death. (The singer Maurice Gibb is understood to have died from this.)
Constipation / Diarrhea Constipation / Diarrhea Intestinal polypsIntestinal polyps Colon CancerColon Cancer
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Discomfort in lower abdomenAltered bowel habitHeartburnSatiety (feeling full) BloatingUrgencyFeeling of incomplete bowel emptyingFatigueSleep Disturbance
Diverticular Disease Diverticular Disease BloatingConstipationColon Muscle SpasmsTender AbdomenFeverNauseaChillsGI and rectal bleeding
EndometriosisEndometriosisVery similar to symptoms of IBS when
endometriosis affects the intestinesPainful bowel movementsDiarrheaHeadachesLower back pain
Bowel Twist - VolvulusBowel Twist - VolvulusSudden, severe abdominal painVomitingAbdominal distensionConstipationBlood in stoolOverwhelming sensations of Nausea
Colon CancerColon CancerConstipationThin stoolStomach crampsBloody StoolUnexplained weight lossSatietyNausea & VomitingGas & BloatingLethargy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) No cure has been found for IBS, but many options are available to treat the
symptoms. Fiber supplements or laxatives for constipation or medicines to decrease
diarrhea, such as Lomotil or loperamide (Imodium). An antispasmodic is commonly prescribed, which helps to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain.
Medications that relax muscles in the bladder and intestines, such as Donnapine and Librax.
A medication available specifically to treat IBS is alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex).
Diverticular Disease Diverticular Disease High fiber diet and fiber supplements Antispasmodics Avoid nuts, beans, corn, seeds Antibiotics- ex: Ciprofloxacin srugery
Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Barium enemas Laparoscopic or colonoscopic procedures
Colon CancerColon Cancer Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy
Endoscopy Capsule Endoscopy Laparoscopy X-ray Studies Ultrasound Scanning Computed Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging Paracentesis Occult Blood Tests Intubation of the Digestive Tract Manometry
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) No permanent harm, just mild annoyance Control of symptoms frequently obtained
Diverticular Disease Diverticular Disease Good prognosis with only 20% of individuals seeking advanced
medical aid Worse with older adults
Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) If necrosis occurs, prognosis is poor Early recognition and treatment serves for a good, healthy
outcome Colon CancerColon Cancer
Stage 1: 5 year survival at greater than 90% Stage 2: 5 years at 55-75% Stage 3: 5 years at 20 -35% Stage 4: 5 years at less than 5% often only 1 year