Conditions & Procedures
Displaying 1 - 32 of 32
Displaying 1 - 32 of 32
A
Surgery, typically for anal cancer, that removes the anus, the rectum, and part of the sigmoid colon through an incision made in the abdomen. The end of the intestine is attached to an opening in the surface of the abdomen and body waste is collected in a disposable bag…
Anal fistulas are generally common among those who have had an anal abscess. Treatment is usually necessary to reduce the chances of infection in an anal fistula, as well to alleviate symptoms.
An anal fistula is defined as a small tunnel with an internal opening in the anal…
B
Key Points
A bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small or large intestine by something other than fecal impaction.
The most common cancers that cause bowel obstructions are cancers of the colon, stomach, and ovary.
Assessment includes a physical exam and imaging tests.…
C
Carcinoid tumors are neuroendocrine tumors typically arising in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most notably in the ileum, the last third of the small intestine, and the appendix, but may occur elsewhere in the body including the lungs, rectum, colon, pancreas,…
Colectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the colon. When only part of the colon is removed, it is called a partial colectomy. The procedure is also known as a bowel resection.
The colon is part of the body's digestive system. The…
Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and irritation in your digestive tract. Most commonly, Crohn’s affects your small intestine and the beginning of your large intestine. However, the disease can affect any part…
D
Diverticulosis is a condition that occurs when small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon. These pouches are most common in the lower part of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. One pouch is called a diverticulum.…
E
An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract or stomach and the skin. As a result, contents of the stomach or intestines leak through to the skin.
Most ECFs occur after bowel surgery. Other causes include infection,…
F
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder characterized by cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. People with the classic type of familial adenomatous polyposis may begin to develop multiple noncancerous (benign)…
What is fecal incontinence?
Fecal incontinence, also called a bowel control problem, is the accidental passing of solid or liquid stool or mucus from the rectum. Fecal incontinence includes the inability to hold a bowel movement until reaching a toilet as well as passing stool…
G
H
A hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove internal or external hemorrhoids that are extensive or severe. Surgical hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective treatment for hemorrhoids, though it is associated with the greatest rate of complications. …
I
L
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited disorder that increases the risk of many types of cancer, particularly cancers of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, which are collectively referred to as…
M
O
P
The term "pelvic floor" refers to the group of muscles that form a sling or hammock across the opening of a woman's pelvis. These muscles, together with their surrounding tissues, keep all of the pelvic organs in place so that the organs can function correctly.
A pelvic floor…
The presacral space is the area between the rectum and lowest part of your the spine, which is called the sacrum. The presacral space is inside the pelvis, behind the rectum and in front of the coccyx and sacrum. Normally it is empty, or it contains a pocket of fat…
Surgery to remove the colon and rectum is called a proctocolectomy. This is the standard surgical procedure for patients with ulcerative colitis where medical therapy has failed or serious life-threatening complications have ensued.
Proctocolectomy is followed by either:
Ileal…
R
T
UCSF colorectal surgeons now offer a minimally invasive procedure called Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) for removal of rectal tumors and early stage rectal cancers. TEM is available only at a select group of instiutions nationwide. …
U
V
Volvulus occurs when the intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supports it, creating an obstruction. The area of intestine above the obstruction continues to function and fills with food, fluid, and gas. The mesentery may become so tightly twisted that blood…