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The colon, or large intestine, is part of the digestive system, which is a series of organs from the mouth to the anus. When the shape of the colon or the way it connects to other organs is abnormal, digestive problems result.

The adult colon is about 5 feet long. It connects to the small bowel, which is also known as the small intestine. The major functions of the colon are to absorb water and salts from partially digested food that enters from the small bowel and then send waste out of the body through the anus. What remains after absorption is stool, which passes from the colon into the rectum and out through the anus when a person has a bowel movement.

The colon comprises several segments:

• the cecum, the portion just after the small bowel

• the ascending colon

• the transverse colon

• the descending colon

•                          the sigmoid colon, an S-shaped portion                            near the end of the colon

•          the rectum, where stool is stored until evacuation

Anatomic Problems of the Colon

·  Anatomic problems of the colon are caused by changes in the shape of the colon or the way it connects to other organs.

·  Anatomic problems may be congenital or develop with age.

·  Anatomic problems can block the passage of food through the digestive system. Some problems can become life-threatening.

·  Symptoms of anatomic problems include abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation.

·  Some anatomic problems may resolve over time; others may need to be corrected with surgery.