About this topic
A colon stricture is a narrowing of the colon. The colon is your large bowel or the tube that connects your small bowel to your rectum. When you have a narrow area in your colon, food and stool are not able to pass through on their way out of the body. This can be a very serious problem if your colon is blocked all the way. ‚
What are the causes?
Many things can cause narrow area in your colon. Some of them are: ‚
- Diseases like Crohns, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulosis
- Scar tissue from abdominal surgery
- Radiation to your lower belly
- Low blood flow to your colon
- A tumor
What are the main signs?
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Loose stools or constipation
- Belly pain, especially after eating
- Bloating
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- CT or MRI scan
- Tests to look at your stomach and bowels like an endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Ultrasound of your abdomen
- A small tube to be placed through the nose into the stomach to drain out air and bile
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You will likely need to stop eating and take fluids through an IV. The doctors may need to stretch the narrow area in your colon during the endoscopy or colonoscopy. This will make it wider and let food and stool pass through. If this does not fix the problem, surgery may be needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
Will surgery be needed?
To diagnose or treat a narrow area in your colon, you may need to have surgery. Your care will be based on where the narrow place is in your GI tract. Your doctor may need to take out a small piece of your bowel. You may also need to have an ostomy after this surgery. This is an opening from the bowel to the outside of the body on your abdomen to let you get rid of your bodys waste products. The ostomy may be needed for a short time while your bowel heals or may be needed for a long time. ‚
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Follow your doctors orders if you have a condition like Crohn's, colitis, Hirschsprung's, or ulcers. ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-08-14 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚