Colon Surgery

The colon (also known as the large bowel, or large intestine) functions as a filter for the body's waste. It extracts water and salts from digested food, forming stool. A number of disorders may affect this organ.

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Tumors
A growth of abnormal cells in the colon -- a tumor -- can be either cancerous or malignant. Cancerous tumors are far more serious, and can spread to other parts of the colon and body. Colon cancer can be detected by routine screenings before symptoms appear. One in fifteen people will develop colon cancer at some point in their lives, and is one of the most curable of all abdominal cancers when detected quickly.

Diverticula
When gas or constipation increases pressure in the colon, small pockets may be pushed out in the wall of the colon. These pockets, called diverticula, may become infected and inflamed. This condition, called diverticulitis, causes intermittent pain in the abdomen, constipation, and sometimes fever.

In serious cases, an inflamed diverticulum can burst like an appendix. Bacteria present in the colon, even stool, can seep out into the abdominal cavity. Sudden, intense abdominal pain results; fever, nausea, and other complications often follow.

Polyps
Small growths inside the colon called polyps are rarely cancerous. However, they may cause bleeding, cramps, or constipation. In serious cases, they may become large enough to block the passage of stool through the colon. Pain, bloating, and rectal bleeding may result.

Bleeding
Bleeding from the colon is often the result of a tumor breaking open. Never assume that blood in the stool is caused by hemorrhoids, even if you know you have them.

Consulting Your Doctor
If you have any symptoms associated with colon disorders, contact your physician immediately for diagnosis. Serious complications can be prevented by prompt treatment.