Blog Archive
Dear patient, If you have Crohn’s disease, you are no stranger to intestinal troubles. Chances are, you have been poked, scoped and imaged many times during your Crohn’s journey. As one of the most challenging gut conditions, Crohn’s can affect individuals quite differently. While some patients have very minimal...
Anal fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel between the anus and nearby skin. Initial symptoms include a painful bulge around the anus, redness, or drainage of pus. In many individuals an abscess or boil may first form around the anus. This may either pop and drain by itself, or...
Rectal cancer is a cancer of the distal part of the large intestine. While colon cancer and rectal cancer are often referred to as "colorectal cancer", the management of each is quite unique. The anatomoic location of the rectum in the pelvis, where it sits close to other important organs...
What are anal skin tags? Anal skin tags are benign skin growths around the anus. These are generally caused by various pathologies of the anus, most commonly hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Some people are unaffected and unbothered by these tags but for others, these little growth can cause cosmetic concerns...
Did you know that we are all born with hemorrhoids? Yup! Even babies have hemorrhoids! That’s because hemorrhoids are simply veins surrounding the exterior and interior of the anus. They are part of the normal female and male anatomy and actually serve a beneficial purpose – they cushion and protect...
Have your heard of diverticul-itis? What about diverticul-osis? Do you know the difference? If you have never heard these terms – don’t worry, neither had I, until I went to medical school. In fact, many people who receive this diagnosis have no clue what it is either! This is a...
There’s a “whole” host of information about wheat and grain spinning out there. Some of it is contradictory, which is stunning considering how much we know about grains and their effect on gut health. Low carb diets, high carb diets, debate over whole grain, multigrain, healthy white, fortified white. Take...
Do you have rectal bleeding? Has a doctor told you it’s from hemorrhoids? Has that doctor given you a Digital Rectal Exam or DRE? No, it not “digital” like digital vs analog. In this case a digital rectal exam means using a digit or finger to physically examine the rectum...
First, we have to define the two intestines in our bodies. The large intestine, also known as the colon or large bowel spans most of the length and width of the abdomen in an upside-down U shape. We categorize the colon in five distinct parts. From right to left, it...
Fiber is a necessary part of healthy digestion. While many supplements exist on market, the best way to get your daily fiber intake is through a healthy and well-balanced diet containing fiber-rich foods and consumption of adequate water to keep your bowels regular. Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber Are you confused...
Colonoscopy is a procedure where your doctor passes a small tube with a camera at it’s tip into your colon to screen for colorectal cancer or for diagnostic purposes if you’re having symptoms. The preparation requires you to empty the colon completely so your doctor can see the inner lining of...
Lynch syndrome (aka hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome. If colorectal cancer genes run in your family, you or your children, siblings and parents may all be at high risk for developing colorectal and various associated cancers. So, should you talk to your health care provider about...
Do you know what the difference is between a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon? While we treat many of the same conditions there are some inherent differences in these two specialties. Knowing this difference will guide you to the right specialist. A colorectal surgeon, may also be known as a...
There has been lots of controversy lately on the health benefits and risks of coffee drinking. There are many studies that have shown a link between coffee drinking and good health, including reduced risk of cancers (including colon cancer), gout, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There has also...