Other Conditions

Bowel Conditions

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer is most common in people over the age of 50 and is the third most common type of cancer in Australia. Depending on where the cancer forms, bowel cancer may also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer.

Risk factors for bowel cancer include age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as diet and obesity.

Regular bowel screening tests or colonoscopies can assist with early diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of bowel cancer and includes surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy or a combination of these. 

More information - https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/bowel-cancer  

Rectal Bleeding

Rectal bleeding is a common issue that has many causes, including:

• haemorrhoids

• anal fissures

• constipation

• gastrointestinal illnesses

• bowel cancer

Each of these conditions has different causes and treatments. It’s important that you see your GP if you have any concerns.

Small Bowel Obstruction

A small bowel obstruction commonly occurs where a loop of the intestine gets blocked or twisted which stop the flow of food, liquid and gas causing considerable pain.

The most common cause of a bowel obstruction is scar tissue (adhesions) and hernias. There are many other less common causes including tumours, abscess/infection and inflammatory bowel disease.

Symptoms of small bowel obstructions can include:

• Severe abdominal pain and cramps

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal swelling

• Constipation

• Lack of appetite

• Fever

This condition can be diagnosed via a medical examination and CT scan, and sometimes will require urgent surgery to correct the obstruction.

More information: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bowel-obstruction

Perianal Conditions

Haemorrhoids

Haemorrhoids (or piles) are a cluster of veins in the lower rectum (internal or external) that become swollen or distended. Haemorrhoids are usually caused by an increase in pressure due to pregnancy, being overweight, constipation or straining during bowel movements and may be exacerbated by a poor diet low in fibre and high in fats.

Symptoms include rectal pain, itching, bleeding, and possibly prolapse (haemorrhoids that protrude through the anal canal).

Treatment usually involved changes to diet and exercise or topical creams. In more severe cases, haemorrhoid banding or surgical removal might be required.

It is important to not assume that rectal bleeding is caused by haemorrhoids. If you experience a new onset of rectal bleeding it is important to see your GP for further assessment and to consider referral for a colonoscopy.

More information - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/haemorrhoids-piles

Perianal Fistula

Perianal Fistula is an abnormal communication between the anal canal to the skin near the anus or some cases, other organs, such as the vagina or urinary tract. It usually results from a previous infection or perianal abscess, and is more common in males in their 40s.

This condition can be caused by previous perianal abscess or inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms of perianal fistulas include pain and swelling around the anus, redness or itching of the skin around the anus, liquid/blood draining around the anus or fever and lethargy.

Treatment can include a surgical procedure to open the fistula to support healing, insertion of a draining “seton” tube. Once the inflammation has settled there are multiple different surgical approaches to repairing a fistula.

More Information - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/surgery-for-anal-fistula  

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin lining of the anus or anal canal. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement and typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements.

Anal fissures are commonly caused chronic constipation or straining during bowel movements, prolonged diarrhea or anal stretching via insertion of foreign objects.

Symptoms of anal fissures include painful bowel movements, constipation, blood on the outside of the stool or toilet tissue, a visible tear in the anal skin, itching or burning sensation or bad-smelling discharge.

Common treatments for anal fissures aim to decrease pressure and repair the damage. This is done via changes to diet and an increase in water intake, regular cleansing/soaking, and application of creams/lubrications. In some cases, a surgical procedure to repair chronic or severe damage may be required.