Colon

Abstract

The colon is made up of the midgut which includes the proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon, and the hindgut, which includes the distal one-third of the transverse colon. The ileocecal junction to the anus is a distance of 1.5 m. Digested food (chyme) passes into the colon and is converted to feces by bacteria. The differential diagnosis of colonic masses includes cancer, carcinoid, lipoma, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, polyps, and Crohn disease. Treatment of colorectal cancer and symptomatic inflammatory colon disease usually involves wide surgical resection. Complications after surgery may include postoperative bleeding, leakage, and ileus.