Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis refers to abnormal pouching of the colonic wall. The term “divertikel” was coined by Fleischman in 1815. Jean Cruveilhier described herniations through the muscular layer of the colon in…
Small Intestines, Colon, and Rectum
Ileus, postoperative
Ileus occurs when there is intestinal distention and either slowing or no passage of luminal contents without a demonstrable mechanical obstruction. The term “ileus” is derived from the Greek word…
Large Bowel Obstruction
Large bowel obstruction occurs when there is a bowel obstruction distal to the ileocecal valve. Bowel obstructions have been documented as early as 1550 B.C. in the Papyrus. Etiology History…
Colonic Pseudo-obstruction
Colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome) occurs when there is acute dilation of the colon with no mechanical obstruction. It was first described in 1948 by the British surgeon William Heneage Ogilvie.…
Colectomy, right laparoscopic
Right colectomy, or right hemicolectomy, is the surgical removal of the right, or ascending, colon with anastomosis of the remaining ends. It involves division of the ileocolic and right colic…
Hemorrhoids, external
External hemorrhoids occur distal to the dentate line. The treatment of hemorrhoids in the past has included suppositories, cautery, and excision. Walter Whitehead introduced a radical procedure in 1882 in…
Anal Fissure
Anal fissures occur when there is a tear in the anal canal that usually extends from the dentate line to the anal verge. The most effective treatment for anal fissures,…
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. Colorectal cancer is further divided into colon cancer and rectal cancer. The former will be…
Fistula-in-Ano
Fistulas occur when there is an abnormal connection between two epithelialized surfaces that do not usually connect. Fistula-in-ano refers to a fistula between the skin and the anus. In 30…
Anorectal Abscess
Anorectal (perirectal) abscesses are usually the result of an infection of the anal glands located at the dentate line. They commonly expand caudally to the anoderm (perianal abscess) or across…