Colon & Rectal Care

Overview:

Anorectal manometry is a diagnostic test that measures the strength, coordination, and sensation of the muscles in the rectum and anus. A thin, flexible catheter with sensors is inserted into the rectum to record pressure changes during rest, squeezing, and pushing. This helps evaluate how well the rectum and anal sphincter work together to control bowel movements.

Conditions Evaluated:

• Chronic constipation or difficulty passing stool
• Fecal incontinence (loss of bowel control)
• Pelvic floor dysfunction or dyssynergia
• Hirschsprung’s disease (especially in children)
• Post-surgical or nerve-related bowel control issues

Información general:

La colonoscopía es la prueba más confiable para detectar el cáncer de colon; no solo lo detecta en una etapa temprana, también permite remover pólipos antes de que evolucionen a cáncer. Sin embargo, Cologuard es una prueba de detección segura y no invasiva con la que las personas con riesgo promedio pueden tomarse la muestra en casa.

Afecciones evaluadas:

• Cáncer colorrectal
• Pólipos precancerosos del colon (adenomas avanzados)
• Sangre oculta en las heces

Nota: Cologuard es una prueba de detección, no un procedimiento diagnóstico. Los resultados anormales requieren una prueba de seguimiento, generalmente una colonoscopia.

La colonoscopia es el método de referencia para la detección del cáncer colorrectal; no solo permite detectar el cáncer en una etapa temprana, sino que también puede extirpar pólipos antes de que se conviertan en cáncer. Sin embargo, Cologuard es una prueba de detección segura y no invasiva para personas con riesgo promedio, que puede realizarse en casa.

Overview:

Colon cancer screening helps detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps early, often before symptoms appear. Regular screening greatly improves prevention and treatment outcomes. Several options are available (listed below), which allow doctors to view and remove polyps in one procedure. Screening usually begins at age 45, or earlier for those with higher risk.

*Screening Types:

• Colonoscopy: Common procedure used to examine the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum with a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope). For average-risk individuals, a colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years, starting at age 45. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening; it not only detects cancer early but can also remove polyps before they become cancer.
• High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT): Non-invasive screening tool designed to detect microscopic amounts of blood in the stool that aren't visible to the naked eye. For average-risk individuals, this test should be performed annually.
• Cologuard®: Cologuard is a simple, at-home multitarget stool DNA test that screens for both hidden blood and altered DNA shed by cancer or precancerous polyps. Some UTMB patients may be eligible for Cologuard screening; test kits are sent via mail.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Diagnostic and screening procedure that allows a physician to examine the lower part of the large intestine, specifically the rectum and sigmoid colon. For average-risk individuals, if flexible sigmoidoscopy is chosen as the primary screening method, it's typically recommended every 5 to 10 years.

*Colon cancer screenings are performed by a member of the General Gastroenterology team at our Endoscopy locations.

Conditions Identified:

• Colorectal cancer
• Precancerous polyps (adenomas)
• Inflammation from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Diverticulosis or diverticulitis
• Colonic bleeding sources
• Colonic strictures or narrowing
• Infections or ischemic changes

Overview:

A colonoscopy allows your provider to examine the inside of the large intestine using a long, flexible tube with a light and tiny camera. During the procedure, the scope is gently inserted through the rectum and advanced through the colon while air or carbon dioxide is used to expand the space for clear viewing.

A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening, among other diagnostic applications.

Polyps may be removed, and small tissue samples can be collected for testing. This helps detect bleeding, inflammation, or precancerous growths early, often preventing colorectal cancer and guiding treatment for chronic digestive issues.

Conditions Diagnosed:

• Colorectal cancer and polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Unexplained bleeding or anemia
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation

Overview:

Colorectal surgery involves surgical treatment of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Procedures may be performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques to remove diseased tissue, repair damage, or restore normal bowel function. Colorectal surgeons treat both benign and malignant conditions, working to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.

Conditions Treated:

• Colorectal cancer and polyps
• Diverticulitis and diverticular disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Colorectal obstruction or perforation
• Rectal prolapse
• Anal fistulas, fissures, or abscesses
• Severe hemorrhoids or bleeding
• Bowel incontinence or trauma

Please note, some conditions require a colorectal surgeon to perform.