SMALL BOWEL
Small Bowel and Associated Diseases
The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine, and is where most of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. The small intestine has three distinct regions – the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. There are countless conditions that affect the small intestine including obstructive disorders, infectious diseases, and neoplasms (cancers). There are also many developmental, congenital, or genetic conditions that affect the small intestine.
Learn More About These Common Ailments:
Duodenal ulcers are breaks in the lining of the duodenum. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain. Complications may include bleeding and perforation. Common causes include the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Small intestinal bleeding can occur for a number of causes, including ulcers, inflammation, infection, vascular malformations, trauma, autoimmune diseases, or from taking blood thinners (Coumadin) or antiplatelet therapy (Plavix, aspirin).
Small bowel cancer is relatively rare compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies such as gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Several different subtypes of small intestine cancer exist. These include: adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, lymphoma, and carcinoid tumor.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease is caused by a combination of environmental, immune and bacterial factors in genetically susceptible individuals. It results in a chronic inflammatory disorder, in which the body’s immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract. It is most often treated medically but surgery may be required for complications such as obstructions, fistulas, or abscesses.
Small bowel obstruction is a mechanical or functional obstruction of the intestines, preventing the normal transit of the products of digestion. The most common cause is adhesions from previous surgeries, but obstruction can also occur due to hernias, masses, and other conditions.