Lower GI Diseases

Clostridium Difficile Infection (C-diff)

C-diff is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Patients taking antibiotics and exposed to the feces of a patient with c. diff they may become infected. This happens because the normal “good bacteria” in the colon is altered by the antibiotic allowing c. diff, the “bad bacteria,” to infect the colon. C-diff can cause significant illness and even death, especially in elderly patients. Read more >>

Colitis

Collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are two types of bowel inflammation that affect the colon. The symptoms of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis are the same—chronic, watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Abdominal pain or cramps may also be present. Read more >>

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a leading form of cancer in the United States. Unlike many cancers, however, colon cancer can be 90% curable if detected early.  Colon cancer originates in the cells of the lining of the colon. Most colon cancers start out as a tiny polyp that cause no symptoms in the patient. Read more >>

Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small out-pouchings (called diverticula) or sacs that can develop in the gastrointestinal tract lining. While diverticula can be present anywhere in the digestive tract, they are most common on the left side of the large intestine. Read more >>

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a disorder commonly characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not result in any serious disease, such as cancer. Read more >>

Ischemic Colitis

Ischemic colitis, although rare, is the most frequent form of mesenteric ischemia, affecting mostly the elderly. Ischemia is caused when the blood supply does not reach the tissue delivering the necessary oxygen. Without oxygen, cells begin to die which may cause tissue damage or destruction, colon strictures or in extreme cases, gangrene. Read more >>

Melanosis of The Colon

Melanosis coli is a condition almost always associated with chronic laxative use. The lining of the colon is changed from a healthy pink to a dark brownish gray or black discoloration. Generally, melanosis coli is a benign condition that does not result in serious disease. Read more >>