Colon

Surgery Group LA
Colon: What is it?

” …Eat more spinach son, good for your Colon! 

…My doctor says I need a colonoscopy!

…Ow! She hit me right in the colon!”

As part of the Surgeon Group of LA’s simple biology tour, we introduce our lovely friend:

The Colon!

Colon:

The largest intestine inside the digestive system, the colon connects the small intestine and the anus and is a crucial part of the entire digestive system. It’s basically where all the good stuff that you need, like water and nutrients, gets absorbed from the food you eat.

Job Description: To completely absorb the nutrients, water, and energy from the partially digested food coming from your Small Intestine

Aliases: Large Intestine, the poop chute, the 5 feet poop maker

Size: 5 feet long, can be approximately 3 inches wide or as low as 1 inch wide depending on the region

Altogether the large intestine gets the food you chew up and turns it into energy. Albeit with poop too.

Myth# 1 Poop takes 72 hours to digest

The truth is, people, vary widely on how long food stays in their colons.

Generally, though, the colon spends anywhere from 12 to 48 hours turning mashed-up food into a waste product.

Myth # 2 You should poop every day

There is simply no medical evidence that backs this up.

The truth again is that people vary widely on how many times they poo, from a few times a day to once every three. If it takes you more than 72 hours in between bowel movements, it may be time to speak to a doctor.

Myth# 3 Red blood in your stool means colon cancer

Darkened, semi-clotted blood inside of your stool may perhaps be a sign of colon cancer.

However, if the blood in your stool is red, and does not come from inside your stool, it could be a sign of:

  • hernia
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Chronic constipation
  • Ulcers

Any blood in your stool = time to see a doctor.

However, most likely after a colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe some preparation h and a high-fiber diet. No need to panic just yet.

Myth# 4 Fiber is all I need for a good colon

The truth is, you can have all the fiber in the world, but if you:

  • Constantly overweight and obese
  • Smoke
  • Excessively drink

You will highly increase your chance of developing colon problems.

Fiber or juice cleanse be damned.

And on that point.

Myth# 5 Juice cleanses work!

This is the myth that will especially tick off your doctors.

Every once in a while juice cleanses may be a way to reduce calories and increase the number of vitamins you get from fruits and vegetables. However, nearly every study done on juice cleanses show they have no effect on colon health. You’re likely better off adding some green tea and whole fruits to your diet and calling it a day.

Conclusion

With a good diet and exercise plan, checkups, and occasionally an apple or two, your colon should stay good as new. Additionally scheduling a yearly colonoscopy is recommended for adults over 45. Especially if you have colon problems in your family.

If you or a loved one have questions about colon health, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

January 4, 2023

Surgery Group LA
What happens if a pilonidal cyst remains untreated?

Pilonidal cysts are tiny pockets of pus that grow around the base of the spine. Itchy ingrown hairs grow through the inside of the skin and cause pus to grow.

Pus growths like this get infected very often. These infections can cause hard painful lumps to form that cause:

  • Nausea and sickness
  • Itchiness and swelling around the spine
  • Pain while sitting or lying down

If your pilonidal cyst is left untreated. Crucially, if symptoms do not improve and even worsen, these cysts can increase your chance of developing:

  • Multiple Cysts – Cysts left untreated can spread to other parts of the skin nearby and causing more cysts to grow
  • Skin Cancer – While only slight, a reoccurring untreated cyst can cause squamous cell carcinoma. While rare, recording cysts can cause also cause inflammation which generally increases the risk of skin cancer
  • Fistula – If the cysts start to spread and infect the anal cavity they can to veins in the internal organs which may cause sepsis and even death if left wholly untreated

How are pilonidal cysts treated?

The good news is that the treatment of a Pilonidal cyst is quite simple: cut the cyst open and drain it. Depending on the severity and length of the cyst you may explore these three options:

  • Incision, drainage – for cysts with a low chance of reoccurrence and reinfection, great for fairly young patients who are getting their first pilonidal cyst
    • Pros – quick, usually effective, and won’t put you out for too long
    • Cons – won’t completely remove the chance of it coming back
  • Surgical cyst removal – for cysts that keep reoccurring, these can lead to less reoccurrence but will put the patient out of commission for longer
    • Pros – Much more effective at stopping it from coming back
    • Cons – Will need stitches and can cause pain for a week or two

How to avoid getting pilonidal cysts?

That’s all well and good but how do you avoid getting these painful irritants in the forest place, or finally stop getting them back? Here are a few tips:

  • Keep your butt clean and dry as much as you can – this one should be self-explanatory!
  • Shaving hair around the buttocks – Doing this at least once a week can reduce the chance of ingrown hairs, a usual cause of cysts
  • Practice squatting and sitting with good form – if you have an office job and have to sit focus on :
  • Lose weight – the sad fact is that ingrown hairs and infections drop when your dietary habits and exercise habits become healthier. So I know it’s getting cold but get on that treadmill and get some fiber in you!

Pilonidal cysts can be a huge nuisance but there are easy solutions for prevention and treatment.

 If you or a loved one are suffering from a pilonidal cyst today, speak to a medical professional as soon as you can.

October 29, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Prepping for your colonoscopy

Whether it’s checking for colon cancer, internal hemorrhoids, or just a bad case of constipation, colonoscopies are a crucial medical diagnostic tool that has alerted doctors on the status of many colon maladies. However, these procedures can be a little anxiety-inducing. Will it hurt a lot? Do I have to drink special fluids before? How long is this going to put me out? Use this article as a helpful guide for all your questions regarding your scheduled colonoscopy.

How to prep for your colonoscopy

The key to the game is simple: emptying the bowels prior to your appointment. Without this crucial step, any growths, polyps, or abnormalities may be missed. 

To help you achieve this, we’ve created this 3-day colon cleansing program for you.

3 days out Low fiber foods, no whole grains, seeds, dried fruit or vegetables. Keep food clear and to a minimum. Avoid fried foods and any bright red foods.

24 hours out: No solid foods at all. If you can handle it a fast could be helpful, but you can supplement this window with clear foods like jello, popsicles, clear juices, or black coffee. This is often when we recommend you drink a bowel cleansing liquid for the best results.

2 hours before: No food or liquid at all, not even the bowel cleansing liquid. 

How to know if my colonoscopy prep is working

While following these steps should allow you a worry-free colonoscopy, for the hypervigilant, check for these steps that your colonoscopy prep is working:

  • Bowel movements are watery and clear
  • Seek medical attention if your bowel movements have become bloody or you are suffering from chronic constipation even after drinking the bowel cleansing liquid.

The Colonoscopy itself

The good news is that once you’re ready, a colonoscopy takes less than an hour to complete and you should be at the doctors for no more than 2-3 hours including prep and recovery. 

Your doctor will often begin by administering a light sedative. This means you will need to get a ride home after your test, and you should call off work on the day of the test. The sedative and test take about an hour to wear off but you should spend the rest of the day relaxing. If your doctor has found any polyps that are worth consideration they will let you know and send them off for further testing.

4 quick tips for colonoscopy prep:

  • Read your colonoscopy prep instructions asap – you don’t want to have to reschedule cause you missed a crucial step
  • Consider nonsugar sweeteners like kool-aid or stevia to keep you from being bored of drinking water
  • Consider drinking your colonoscopy prep fluid cold, sweetened, and through a straw to make it easier to put down
  • Once the fluids and diet kick in, keep your clothes nice and loose and try to take a little time off work if you can, it might be hard to stay away from the bathroom for the time being

If you or a loved one have questions about their colon health, speak to a medical professional today to get answers.

September 16, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to lower your risk of colon cancer by managing obesity

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, and it’s about time as colorectal cancer is skewing younger and younger around the world.

With young adults suffering from higher rates of sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise, doctors have changed their best practices so that colorectal cancer screenings start at 45 instead of the previously recommended 50.

This is because obesity, almost as much as age, increases people’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

These risks have become so thoroughly documented that it has become compared to the effects of smoking on the chances of getting lung cancer. In a study in the UK, patients who carried just a few more pounds of weight on their body for a few years suffered a 25% higher chance of getting colorectal cancer compared to their lighter counterparts.

This is believed to happen because fat tissue triggers the creation of chemicals that cause inflammation, which in turn makes it easier for tumor cells to grow in the body. 

Obesity is a proven risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer, here 3 tips to help manage your obesity.

Instead of less unhealthy foods, think more healthy foods! 

While it may be tempting to just eliminate fast food, soda, and cookies, this can often cause cravings and inevitably give up together. Dieticians instead recommend adding as many healthy foods as you can, even if they come in a slightly compromised state. Can’t stand chicken breast and broccoli? How about fried chicken and country potatoes instead? The goal is to eat healthier incrementally, allowing you and your body to begin to find healthy food you enjoy and can stick to eating.

Move, move, move!

While doctors recommend 150 minutes of moderately intense activity a week, you might need to start slow. Perhaps a long walk while listening to your favorite podcast, a couple of squats spread throughout the day. Any extra movement helps burn calories and keeps your body fit.

Counseling

Sometimes our reasons for overeating or not exercising are related to a more emotional or trauma-related issue. Therapists and support groups can provide key insights as well as a valuable support as you work through your weight loss and overall health journey.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from colorectal cancer, speak with a medical professional today.

March 23, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How long will my hemorrhoids last?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that form around the anus or lower rectum that can form internally inside of the rectum, or externally around the anal opening. 

Hemorrhoids are very common, 75 percent of all people will suffer from hemorrhoids at one one of their life and are easy to treat. However, if Hemorrhoids are left untreated and unmanaged for can cause pain, itchiness that can affect the quality of your life.

How long will my hemorrhoid last?

Most hemorrhoids are small and will clear up after a few days without treatment, though you may need to consider making some diet and lifestyle changes.

However, if the hemorrhoids are internal and large, they may last for weeks and require treatment before they are able to heal.

How can I treat my hemorrhoids?

The great news about hemorrhoids is that lifestyle changes may help you heal from them faster. Consider adding more high-fiber foods to your diet so that you are able to pass your stools without straining, which can often exacerbate your hemorrhoids.

Doctors also recommend relieving yourself as soon as you feel the need to go and stay on the toilet only as long as you need to do. After you pass a bowel movement, wash the area around your anus with a moist wipe and consider an occasional warm bath around your anal area.

If you still need more aid, over-the-counter drugs like preparation H have proven to be effective in treating hemorrhoids.

How do I prevent future hemorrhoids?

Once you’ve had hemorrhoids, it is likely that you will suffer from them again. About 1 out of 231 people who suffered from hemorrhoids suffered from hemorrhoids again in the future. 

To combat this, doctors strongly recommend:

  •  Getting your daily fiber intake of 25 grams a day for women and 38 grams of fiber a day for men. 
  • Exercising Regularly, which means exercising at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise like a brisk walk a week, and at least 2 strength-based exercises a week.
  • Managing your weight so that you are not overweight or obese, which can cause strain on your bowel movements

If you have any other questions on hemorrhoids, it might be time to speak with your medical professional

September 5, 2021



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Surgery Group LA is a team of professional and board-licensed surgeons, who specialize of their respective fields. The institution’s project to offer sufferers with advanced and complete surgical care.

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