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

2. 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

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

4. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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 %
Stage 4: 5 years at less than 5% often only 1 year