Presented By: Asha Davidson and Asmani Patel

•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