The Diseases of the colon and rectum cover a group of conditions affecting the final section of the digestive tract and can influence digestion, intestinal transit, and evacuation. Some of the most common are colitis, polyps, diverticulosis, haemorrhoids y Colorectal cancer, and their symptoms can range from abdominal pain and changes in bowel regularity to bleeding or discomfort during bowel movements. Below, we will explain each of them clearly and simply.
Colon and rectal polyps
What does it consist of?
Los Colorectal polyps are abnormal growths that appear on the lining of the large intestine. In most cases, they are benign, but some can evolve over time if not detected and treated.
Therefore, his Early identification It is fundamental. Colonoscopy not only allows for their detection, but also their removal during the same procedure, preventing their potential progression and acting preventatively.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended to consult for an assessment when there is Personal or family background, Persistent digestive symptoms or from a certain age as part of prevention programmes.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Colonoscopy. Main test to detect and remove polyps.
- Chromoendoscopy. It allows for improved visualisation and characterisation of polyps using stains.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It allows for minimally invasive removal of large polyps.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows for the complete and one-piece extraction of complex or flat lesions.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. The majority are benign, although some can evolve over time.
Yes. In most cases, they are removed via colonoscopy.
No. Many times they do not cause discomfort, which is why early detection is key.
Yes. Follow-up depends on the type and number of polyps detected.
Specialists
Extensive lateral-spreading colorectal lesions
What does it consist of?
The extensive lateral-spreading tumours (LSTs) They are polyps or lesions that grow superficially and extensively along the lining of the colon or rectum, rather than being raised. They tend to be larger and require more specialised assessment.
Although many of these lesions are benign, some may show precancerous changes or develop over time. Therefore, it is essential to detect them and treat them appropriately using advanced endoscopic techniques.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to consult when you have complex polyps detected on previous colonoscopy, there is suspicion of extensive injuries or a second opinion is needed to assess the most appropriate treatment.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Colonoscopy. Main test to detect and remove polyps.
- Chromoendoscopy. It allows differentiation of areas at risk of malignancy through the use of optical contrasts.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It allows the removal of the lesion by means of a piecemeal cutting technique.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows for the complete extraction of the lesion in one piece, guaranteeing full healing.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
Not always, but some can have the potential to evolve if left untreated.
Yes. In many cases, they can be treated with advanced endoscopic techniques.
Because its size and scope make a more precise approach necessary.
Yes. Following treatment, it is important to carry out a follow-up examination to check that the lesion has been completely removed and to detect any possible recurrence, particularly given its size and extent.
Specialists
Chronic constipation
What does it consist of?
The Chronic constipation It is a disorder in which there is persistent difficulty with bowel movements, with infrequent or incomplete stools. It is not just about going to the toilet less often, but about How does the evacuation process work.
This can be due to different causes, such as slow intestinal transit or problems with pelvic floor coordination. Therefore, it is important a study suitable for identifying the origin and apply the most effective treatment.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to consult when There is difficulty in evacuating regularly., A feeling of incomplete evacuation or the need to frequently use laxatives, especially if the problem persists over time.
Associated symptoms
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No, there may be functional causes or problems with intestinal motility.
It depends on the case, but it's important to assess the cause before using them continuously.
Yes. There are multiple options depending on the origin of the problem.
Yes, if it is not studied and treated properly.
Specialists
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
What does it consist of?
The diverticulosis is the presence of small pouches (diverticula) on the wall of the colon, which tend to appear with age and in many cases do not produce symptoms. It is a frequent finding that, by itself, does not always require treatment.
Diverticulitis appears when one of these diverticula becomes inflamed or infected, causing more intense symptoms. In these cases, it is important a proper diagnosis to treat the episode and prevent recurrences.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is recommended Enquire when there is abdominal pain, particularly on the left side, fever, changes in bowel habits, or a history of diverticulitis, and assessment or follow-up is needed.
Associated symptoms
Diagnostic tests associated
- Colonoscopy. It allows the identification of diverticula and the assessment of the colon.
- TAC. It allows inflammation to be confirmed and complications such as abscesses or perforations to be detected.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. In many cases, it does not cause discomfort and is detected incidentally.
It depends on the case, but it requires medical treatment and appropriate follow-up.
In some cases yes, with adapted measures and medical supervision.
Yes, especially after episodes of diverticulitis.
Specialists
Inflammatory bowel disease
What does it consist of?
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) It mainly encompasses two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. They are characterised by a Chronic inflammation of the digestive system that can affect different parts of the intestine.
These are diseases with variable progression, with periods of activity and phases of greater control. Therefore, it is essential to have accurate diagnosis and specialist follow-up to adapt the treatment at each moment.
When can I have my first consultation?
es recomendable consultar cuando existen Persistent digestive symptoms such as prolonged diarrhoea, abdominal pain, the presence of blood in stools, or weight loss, especially if they persist over time.
Associated symptoms
- Cramps colicky pain.
- Persistent diarrhoea.
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation.
- Changes in bowel rhythm.
- Urgency to defecate.
- Tenesmus. Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.
- Blood in stool.
- Bleeding when wiping.
- Mucus in stool.
- Anal fissure.
- Anal pain.
- Astenia. Tiredness or weakness.
- Anemia Iron deficiency
Diagnostic tests associated
- Colonoscopy. It allows visualisation of the colon lining and obtaining biopsies to confirm inflammation.
- Stool studies. To rule out parasitic or bacterial infections, or the presence of occult blood in the digestive tract.
- Calprotectin. It allows for the non-invasive measurement of the intestinal inflammatory activity level.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). It offers a detailed view of the layers of the intestinal wall and possible external complications.
- Abdominal ultrasound. To assess the thickness of the intestinal walls and monitor the progression of digestive pathology.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
No. IBD involves actual inflammation of the bowel, whereas IBS is a functional disorder.
It doesn't have a definitive cure, but it can be well managed with treatment.
In most cases, yes, although the type of treatment depends on each patient and the stage of the disease.
Yes, in some cases it can have manifestations outside the intestine.
Specialists
Bowel cancer
What does it consist of?
The Colorectal cancer It is a disease in which abnormal cells develop in the colon or rectum, which can grow progressively. In many cases, it originates from polyps that, over time, can evolve if not detected.
The Early detection it is fundamental, as in the initial stages it can be treated with better results and even using less invasive techniques. For this reason, the diagnosis y Proper control is key in its management.
When can I have my first consultation?
It is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as blood in your stool., persistent changes in bowel rhythm, Unexplained weight loss, personal or family history of colorectal cancer.
Associated symptoms
- Persistent diarrhoea.
- Persistent constipation.
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation.
- Changes in bowel rhythm.
- Urgency to defecate.
- Tenesmus. Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.
- Blood in stool. Visible or detected in tests.
- Bleeding when wiping.
- Mucus in stool.
- Anal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss involuntary.
- Astenia. Tiredness or weakness.
- Anemia Iron deficiency.
Diagnostic tests associated
- Colonoscopy. Endoscopic examination of the colon to detect polyps, inflammation or tumours.
- Chromoendoscopy. It allows tiny lesions to be identified using stains.
- Endoscopic submucosal dissection. It allows for the complete and one-piece extraction of complex or flat lesions.
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). It allows for minimally invasive removal of large polyps.
- TAC. It allows for non-invasive examination of the colon using 3D radiology.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). It allows for high-precision imaging of soft tissues.
- Endoscopic ultrasound. It allows assessment of the depth of the lesions and adjacent structures.
Why treat her at GASTEA
Preguntas frecuentes
Yes. Detecting and removing polyps significantly reduces the risk.
No. In the early stages, it may not cause any discomfort.
Yes, especially from a certain age or with a history.
In the early stages, in some cases, yes, using endoscopic techniques.
Specialists
- Full clinical assessment. Study of symptoms, history, and risk factors.
- Personalised diagnostic plan. Indication of tests and guidance on the best approach.
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