Common Conditions

POLYPS

A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that projects from the lining of the inner (mucosal) surface of the bowel wall.

Polyps are very common.

They rarely produce symptoms and are often discovered by chance during a colonoscopy. Most polyps are benign, although some can be pre-cancerous or malignant.

Approximately 90% of polyps can be removed safely with a colonoscopy.

COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal or Bowel Cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large bowel (colon and rectum). It is the most common type of cancer in Australia for both men and women.

If you have had a close relative with bowel cancer, had polyps in the past, or have inflammatory bowel diseases you may be at higher risk of developing bowel cancer in the future.

Many of the symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to those of other colorectal conditions; however, some symptoms to note include changes in bowel habit, blood in your stools or persistent abdominal pain.

If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor for further investigation.

ANAL ABSCESS

An anal abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the tissues surrounding the anus and can spread to involve the anal sphincter muscle and surrounding structures.

As the size of an abscess increases it will cause an increase in pressure in the area which may lead to constant, throbbing pain. You may also experience fevers and sweating.

An anal abscess requires drainage by a trained professional to limit further infection.

ANAL FISSURE

An anal fissure describes a split or tear in the skin that lines the anal canal.

The most common cause of an anal fissure is passing a hard stool which leads to a tear in the skin of the anal canal.

Pain at the time of passing a bowel motion is the predominant symptom of an anal fissure and may be accompanied by bleeding. The pain can last for a variable period of time after defecation and is due to tenderness of the fissure and spasm of the internal anal sphincter muscle.

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting only the large bowel (colon and rectum).

Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis begins in the rectum and extends back varying distances towards the start of the large bowel (caecum), often leading to areas of shallow ulceration.

The main symptom of Ulcerative Colitis is episodic or continuous diarrhoea with blood and mucus. Some people may experience a sense of urgency to defecate accompanied by crampy lower abdominal pains.

The severity of symptoms varies greatly from mild to severe, with some people passing up to 30 bowel motions per day.

PRURITIS ANI

Pruritis ani directly translates to “itchy anus” and is a chronic condition characterised by intense itchiness of the perianal (outside the anus) skin.

Anal pruritis is very common and will be experienced by most people at some time or another.

Skin irritation from moisture and leakage of faeces are the most common causes of this condition.

The urge to scratch the area will lead to skin damage, creating a cycle of further irritation and itchiness. Thus, it is important to keep the area clean/dry and try to limit the amount of scratching despite the discomfort.

RECTAL PROLAPSE

A rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes into, or completely through the anus.

The exact cause of rectal prolapse is unknown; however, it is thought to be associated with excessive straining during defecation, weak pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles and poor fixation of the bowel in the pelvis.

Protrusion of the rectum will often first occur during defecation only and progressively worsens to being present constantly. Other symptoms of rectal prolapse may include discomfort, bleeding, passage of mucus, faecal incontinence or a feeling of constipation or incomplete emptying after defecation.

HAEMORRHOIDS

Haemorrhoids occur when the veins around your anus or lower rectum become irritated and swollen.

Haemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the rectum from actions such as chronic constipation or diarrhoea, straining during bowel motions and spending extended periods sitting on the toilet.

Symptoms of haemorrhoids often include bleeding when passing stools, lumps around the anus, discomfort, and a feeling of itchiness around the anus.

Haemorrhoids are non-cancerous; however, their symptoms are similar to those of bowel cancer. Thus, it is important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.

DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

Diverticular Disease is a benign (non-cancerous) condition. This term covers the complications that can occur due to diverticula (outpouchings from the bowel wall).

Diverticulosis is characterised by small pouches (diverticula) that bulge out through the muscle wall of the colon.

Diverticulosis usually doesn’t cause symptoms; however, in some cases, the diverticula can become inflamed, causing Diverticulitis.

People who experience diverticulitis, diverticular bleeding or chronic symptoms of bloating, changes in bowel habits or abdominal discomfort may have diverticular disease.

ANAL FISTULA

An anal fistula is an abnormal tract or connection from the inside of the anal canal to the skin outside the anus.

A fistula can develop spontaneously or due to an anal abscess. As the opening on the skin heals, you may notice constant or intermittent drainage of pus from the site.

People who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease are more likely to develop anal abscesses and fistulae.

ANAL CANCER

Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the tissues of the anus and is most commonly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Anal cancer can affect the cells that line the anal canal, the cells that produce mucus required to move stools through the anus or the cells of the skin outside of the anus.

Symptoms of anal cancer may include lumps around the anus or groin, pain/discomfort around the anus, blood or mucus in stools and difficulty controlling bowel movements.

If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor for further investigation.

CROHN’S DISEASE

Crohn’s Disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the small and/or large bowel.

Crohn’s disease is hard to diagnose as it mimics many bowel conditions. The symptoms of Crohn’s Disease are often generalised and may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, malaise and fever.

The inflammation in Crohn's Disease can cause areas of ulceration and narrowing of the small/large bowel. These ulcers often cause diarrhoea, and if they bleed, some people may develop iron deficiency and anaemia.

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is considered when someone passes fewer than three bowel motions per week.

The normal range of bowel frequency is considered between three bowel motions each day to one bowel motion every three days.

There are many causes of constipation, the most common include eating a low fibre diet, low fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, stress/anxiety, pregnancy and the use of some medications (especially strong pain killers).

FAECAL INCONTINENCE

Faecal incontinence is the inability to control the passing of faeces or flatus (gas) from the anus due to anal sphincter muscle or nerve damage.

Most commonly, faecal incontinence results from injury during childbirth, straining to defecate in chronic constipation and accidental damage to the anal sphincter muscles/nerves during surgery.

People who experience faecal incontinence may also have difficulty with faecal urgency. Urgency is the inability to wait for the toilet after feeling the urge to pass a bowel motion.

Ask us a question

Still need more info about the practice or any aspect of colorectal surgery?

Check out our useful links or get in touch and our friendly staff can assist.