Colon Disease Treatment in Yelahanka

Other Diseases Of The Colon (large intestine) And Small Intestine

Diseases of the colon (large intestine) and small intestine can significantly disrupt digestive function and overall health. The colon is susceptible to a range of conditions including colorectal cancer, which often presents with symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, bleeding, and abdominal pain. Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can cause chronic inflammation, leading to pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Diverticulitis, another common condition, occurs when small pouches in the colon become inflamed or infected, often resulting in severe abdominal pain and fever. Each of these conditions requires careful diagnosis and management to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

The small intestine is also prone to several significant disorders. Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the digestive tract, often leads to pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, resulting in inflammation and damage to the small intestine's lining, which impairs nutrient absorption and causes symptoms like diarrhea and fatigue. Small bowel obstruction, which can be caused by scar tissue from previous surgeries or other factors, can lead to severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Bacterial overgrowth, where abnormal levels of bacteria in the small intestine disrupt digestion, can cause bloating and diarrhea. Effective management of these diseases typically involves a combination of medical treatment, dietary adjustments, and sometimes surgical intervention to address underlying issues and improve patient outcomes.

Crohns disease

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.While there's no known cure for Crohn's disease, therapies can greatly reduce its signs and symptoms and even bring about long-term remission and healing of inflammation. Surgery for Crohn’s disease is recommended in carefully selected cases because the disease can recur in any remaining portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The main symptom is bloody diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. Depending on severity of your disease, anti-inflammatory drugs or drugs which suppress immunity are prescribed. Surgery is the definitive therapy for UC. Restorative proctocolectomy is often curative, alleviates symptoms & removes the risk of colon cancer. We do a J pouch (ileoanal anastomosis) so that patient does not need to wear a stool bag and can expel stool normally. This is associated with very good results.

Diverticulosis

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. High fibre diet and probiotics are most often recommended for uncomplicated diverticulosis. Diverticulosis may also cause problems such as diverticular bleeding and diverticulitis. Colonoscopy is often successful in controlling bleeding. However intractable bleeding or bowel perforation/fistulae will need surgery.The most common type of surgery for all forms of diverticular disease is called sigmoid resection (sigmoidectomy). In most cases, this is a minimally invasive procedure that is done by inserting instruments through small cuts in the abdominal wall (laparoscopy). Sometimes, pus collection resulting from leak from one of the diverticulae can occur. This may be managed initially with drainage but would need a more definite surgery later on. Some times this disease can result into an abnormal communication between the colon and the vagina in females and urinary bladder in males. We routinely manage patients with diverticular disease and its complications laparoscopically with very good results.

Acute mesenteric ischemia

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a group of diseases characterized by an interruption of the blood supply to varying portions of the small intestine, leading to ischemia and secondary inflammatory changes. It is a rather uncommon cause of abdominal pain. If untreated, this process will eventuate in life threatening intestinal necrosis. Early diligent diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are the cornerstones of modern treatment.

Lower GI bleeding

Lower GI bleeding occurs from the colon, rectum, or anus, and presents as either hematochezia (bright red blood, clots or burgundy stools) or melena. Most cases of acute colonic bleeding will stop spontaneously, thereby allowing non-urgent evaluation. However, patients with recurrent bleeding, hemodynamic changes, and significant comorbid conditions should be hospitalized and evaluated urgently. After initial resuscitation, identifying the source of bleeding is a clinical priority. Common options for diagnosing the source of bleeding include colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy and/or CT angiography and. Causes can include diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease), colon cancers or polyps, haemorrhoids, ischemic colitis, radiation proctitis, vascular ectasia.Laparotomy for acute LGIB is undertaken when endoscopic or radiological interventional measures have failed. Emergency subtotal colectomy is an effective and definitive method of treating unlocalised massive LGIB.

Colonic obstruction/perforation

Many patients suffer from this blockage in small or large intestine that stops food form passing through. Patients often have abdominal pain, vomiting & constipation. Without treatment, blocked parts can die leading to serious problems. An experienced understanding of CT scan barium study can help decide which patients need surgery or who will recover well without surgical intervention.

Most common cause is intestinal adhesions because of previous surgery. It is imperative to rule out colon cancer. Sometimes large hernia can also cause obstruction. Inflammatory bowel disease such as crohn’s may also lead to thickened wall causing partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Twisting of the colon (volvulus) is an emergency condition. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention result in better outcomes. Telescoping of bowel (intussception) is more common in children but we have seen this in adult patients as well.

FAQ's

The colon and small intestine are vital for digestion and nutrient absorption, but conditions such as colorectal cancer or small intestine disorders can severely impact their function. Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu, a renowned GI & HPB Onco surgeon, offers expert insights into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for diseases of the colon and small intestine, ensuring comprehensive care and improved outcomes for patients.

What are some common diseases of the colon and small intestine?

Common diseases of the colon include colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For the small intestine, frequent conditions include Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, small bowel obstruction, and bacterial overgrowth.

What are the symptoms of colon and small intestine disorders?

Symptoms can vary depending on the specific condition but may include abdominal pain or cramping, changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), bloating, gas, weight loss, and in some cases, rectal bleeding or anemia. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis might also present with systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue.

How are diseases of the colon and small intestine diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common tests include colonoscopy, endoscopy, imaging studies (such as CT scans or MRIs), blood tests, and stool tests. Biopsies taken during endoscopic procedures can provide definitive diagnoses for conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

What treatment options are available for colon and small intestine disorders?

Treatment options depend on the specific condition and its severity. They may include medication (such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or chemotherapy), dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to remove affected areas or to address blockages and other complications. For conditions like colorectal cancer, treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Can lifestyle and diet changes help manage these conditions?

Yes, lifestyle and diet changes can significantly impact the management of colon and small intestine disorders. For example, a high-fiber diet can help manage symptoms of IBS and diverticulitis, while a gluten-free diet is essential for managing celiac disease. Regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding triggers (such as certain foods or smoking) can also play important roles in symptom control and overall health. However, it's crucial to work with a healthcare provider to tailor these changes to individual needs.