Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

Can the body function without a large portion of the intestines?  A person has about 20 feet of small intestine and 5 feet of large intestine (the large intestine is larger in diameter than the small intestine, thus its name). He can live quite well without a portion of his small intestine and without his entire large intestine ( colon ). Most digestion actually takes place before food reaches the colon.The colon's function is to absorb the water from the already digested material and to transport waste through its length and store it until it is ready to be expelled from the body. The remaining portions of the colon learn to assume some of the water absorption role of the intestine that was removed. Even though to a layman the removal of a portion of the small intestine or even all of the colon and rectum sounds as though it would make it impossible for the body to function, the fact is that after successful surgery the body adjusts to the loss of the large or small intestine an...

What is a stoma? A stoma is an opening or hole made in the skin for the end of the small or large intestine in cases where it must be brought through the abdominal wall. The end of the intestine is fastened at the skin level so that it cannot slip back. The diameter of the opening may vary from 1/2 inch to 3 inches or more. What is the name of the operation used to create a stoma? This surgery is an ostomy. Whether permanent or temporary, it takes the name of the area where it is performed. If in the colon, it is called a colostomy . Following colostomy,bowel movements are received in a pouch placed over the stoma . A stoma sounds uncomfortable. Is it? A well cared for, healthy stoma is comfortable and painless and does not interfere with physical activity. However, much of the success with which a patient is able to handle the stoma is determined by the way in which the surgery is carried out, as well as the attitude of the patient. How can I be sure that mine will be a s...

Are all colostomies permanent? No, many of them are temporary that is, after a certain period of time, in a second operation, the colon is rejoined and the hole in the abdomen is closed up. These operations are often referred to as two stage procedures. The first operation is a temporary colostomy. The second is an operation to rejoin the colon and close the colostomy . The number of patients who require colostomies has been reduced, thanks to new surgical techniques and materials. Often the doctor is able to perform a one stage operation, bringing together the healthy sections of the colon after the tumor has been removed. When is a permanent colostomy necessary?  Permanent colostomies are usually necessary when the growth is in the region of the lower rectum. In this case, the rectum is removed and the upper portion of the colon is brought out onto the abdominal wall in the form of a permanent colostomy. What are temporary colostomies called?  There are several di...

A diverticulum is an outward protrusion of a part of the intestine. It's like the thumb part of a mitten. These may occur in any part of the intestine but are especially common in the colon, or big intestine, where they are seen in about 15 percent of people over the age of fifty. Such colon outpouchings are related to aging. They are rare under age thirty five but can be observed in twothirds of individuals in their eighties. They can occur singly or as clusters, so they may look like so many empty grape skins. Only about 10 percent of individuals who have them become symptomatic. A still smaller group requires surgery for complications. Inflammation of a diverticulum is called diverticulitis. What causes it?  The cause is unknown. A diverticulum is not specially related to constipation and squeezing down to have a bowel movement. The usual explanation, not necessarily true, is that the outpouchings are the result of aging and weakness in the same area through which the bloo...