Digestive diseases can affect every aspect of your life. Our colorectal specialists at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center understand that many people feel uneasy discussing their condition and/or daily symptoms—but this is what we do every day, so you can feel confident and comfortable coming to our practice.

Depending on your particular condition, you may partner with a gastroenterologist, colorectal surgeon, advanced practice provider or other specialists to create a treatment plan specific to your own health goals. At Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we offer cutting-edge therapies based on the latest research. We also deliver care with respect, empathy and compassion.

Let’s work together to get you better.

Causes of colon diseases

Many Americans have colon diseases or one difficulty or another moving their bowels. Many factors can contribute to these issues, including diet, physical activity and genetics. But other causes are unknown for many colon diseases and other colon issues.

What is colon and rectum disease?

Colorectal disease affects the colon and rectum. The colon is the largest part of the large intestine, while the rectum is the final portion, ending with the anus. Colorectal conditions and diseases include:

• Anal cancer
• Colon cancer
• Colorectal polyps—Growths in the colon or rectum that can turn into colon cancer if not removed
• Colon volvulus—Unusual twisting of part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can reduce blood flow
• Diverticular disease—A common digestive condition that causes small pouches that bulge within the colon or large intestine
• Rectal cancer
• Rectal prolapse—When part or all of the rectum’s wall slides out of the normal position

Symptoms of colon and rectum diseases

Some colorectal conditions cause no symptoms, such as polyps, while others can cause significant symptoms.

Symptoms you may notice include:

• A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
• Blood in stool
• Anal pain
• Ongoing abdominal pain, cramps, bloating or gas
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely; a sense of fullness or pressure
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constantly feeling tired or weak

Colon and rectum disease diagnosis

Your Ohio State colorectal specialist will talk with you and/or your referring provider about your overall health and current symptoms before recommending any tests. Our goal is to provide a quick, accurate diagnosis, and we offer the latest screening, imaging and testing options available to do so.

Colon and rectum disease treatment

Patients should know that the simplest treatment that delivers effective results will be offered first. Sometimes medication or lifestyle changes can provide symptom relief. If surgery is required, our colorectal surgeons are experienced in both emergency and non-emergency procedures to cure or improve colorectal diseases.

Ohio State also offers a colorectal transitional care clinic. This clinic helps pediatric patients transition from Nationwide Children’s Hospital to a more independent adult care setting when they are 16 – 18 years old. The clinic also welcomes any adults living with colorectal malformations or congenital conditions to help them manage treatment or coordinate long-term care with multiple specialists.

Why choose Ohio State for colorectal disease care?

• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is ranked the top hospital in Columbus by U.S. News & World Report.
• Our physicians and surgeons are experts in their field and regularly conduct research to help improve clinical advancements in colorectal health.
• We offer many minimally invasive surgical procedures, which shorten recovery times.