Presented By: Asha Davidson and Asmani Patel Large Intestine Presented By: Asha Davidson and Asmani Patel

Location 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

Functions Reabsorbs water and maintains the fluid balance of the body Absorbs certain vitamins Processes undigested material - Fiber Stores waste before it is eliminated

Connected to small intestine and anus Hollow organ The colon absorbs water from liquid stool that is delivered to it from the small intestine 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.

Diseases Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diverticular Disease 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 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 Affects the intestines, with similar symptoms to IBS. 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 Intestinal polyps Colon Cancer

Signs & Symptoms Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Discomfort in lower abdomen Altered bowel habit Heartburn Satiety (feeling full) Bloating Urgency Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying Fatigue Sleep Disturbance

Signs & Symptoms Diverticular Disease Bloating Constipation Colon Muscle Spasms Tender Abdomen Fever Nausea Chills GI and rectal bleeding

Signs & Symptoms Endometriosis Very similar to symptoms of IBS when endometriosis affects the intestines Painful bowel movements Diarrhea Headaches Lower back pain

Signs & Symptoms Bowel Twist - Volvulus Sudden, severe abdominal pain Vomiting Abdominal distension Constipation Blood in stool Overwhelming sensations of Nausea

Signs & Symptoms Colon Cancer Constipation Thin stool Stomach cramps Bloody Stool Unexplained weight loss Satiety Nausea & Vomiting Gas & Bloating Lethargy

TREATMENT Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diverticular Disease 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 High fiber diet and fiber supplements Antispasmodics Avoid nuts, beans, corn, seeds Antibiotics- ex: Ciprofloxacin srugery Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) Barium enemas Laparoscopic or colonoscopic procedures Colon Cancer Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy TREATMENT

Diagnostic tools Endoscopy Capsule Endoscopy Laparoscopy X-ray Studies Ultrasound Scanning Computed Tomography Magnetic Resonance Imaging Paracentesis Occult Blood Tests Intubation of the Digestive Tract Manometry

Patient Prognosis Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diverticular Disease No permanent harm, just mild annoyance Control of symptoms frequently obtained Diverticular Disease Good prognosis with only 20% of individuals seeking advanced medical aid Worse with older adults Bowel twist (bowel strangulation) If necrosis occurs, prognosis is poor Early recognition and treatment serves for a good, healthy outcome Colon 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