Frequently Asked Questions about the colorectal service
Inflammatory Bowel Conditions
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term mainly used to describe two conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis and Crohns are long-term conditions that involve inflammation of the gut.Ulcerative colitis only affects the colon (large intestine). Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. People of any age can get IBD, but it’s usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.Please see more information about Crohns and Colitis below.
Core Information about Ulcerative Colitis
J pouch surgery crohns and colitis UK
Meet Our Crohn’s and Colitis Cats (Children’s story)
Meet our Crohn’s and Colitis cats is for children affected by Crohn’s or Colitis, whether they have the condition themselves or know someone who does, click on the link to download the story.
Ostopals Support Group – New support group for young ostomists. Contact: support@ostopals.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/groups/ostopals/
Diverticular Disease
Diverticulum refers to a side-branch or pouch which sticks outwards from the wall of the large intestine (also known as the colon) and the most common site for diverticula is in the lower part of the large bowel (1) on the left hand side, although they do occasionally occur in the small intestine and rarely elsewhere in the gut. They are permanent unless the affected part of the intestine is surgically removed. Diverticular disease is extremely common in the developed world. Between 30% and 50% of this population will be affected during their lifetime (2) with the likelihood of developing it increasing with age.
Diverticular disease is a term mainly used in people who develop symptoms. Diverticulitis means the condition that occurs when a single diverticulum or several diverticula become inflamed.
Please see more information on diverticular disease below.
Core Information about Diverticular Disease
Polyps in the Bowel
A polyp is a fleshy growth on the inside of the bowel. Some people may develop just a single polyp, while others can have two or more at a time.
Please see more information on Polyps below.
Core Information on Bowel Polyps
Faecal Incontinence
Faecal (or anal) incontinence is the loss of stool, liquid or gas from the bowel at an undesirable time. Males and females of any age may be incontinent, it can occur at any age and may affect up to one in 10 people (1), being more common as we get older.
Core Information on Faecal Incontinence
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) consists of a number of symptoms. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits (1). Many patients with IBS get crampy abdominal discomfort or pain, which comes and goes, and fluctuates with bowel function (typically easing after the bowel action).
Core Information on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
