What is an intra-abdominal abscess?

An intra-abdominal abscess is a localized collection of pus in the abdominal cavity. The abscess is usually confined to a small area by a barrier formed by adhesions between the abdominal organs and the omentum (the fold of peritoneum that supports the organs). An intra-abdominal abscess is a serious surgical condition and it can result in a lengthy hospitalization and may also be life-threatening. The symptoms of intra-abdominal abscess are often vague which can sometimes delay patients from seeking medical attention or delay the diagnosis. This often increases the mortality and morbidity resulting from intra-abdominal abscess.

continue reading Abscess in the Abdomen and Intra-Abdominal Locations

Detecting Polyps in the Intestine

Colorectal polyps may be felt during digital examination of the rectum in some patients. In the event of minor blood loss (bleeding polyp), a fecal occult blood test may confirm a the presence of blood in the stool. This is, however, non-specific for intestinal polyps and other causes of blood in the stool need to be considered.

continue reading Diagnosis of Intestinal Polyps and Treatment (Surgery)

Several inherited polyposis syndromes have been identified and many of these have high risk for becoming malignant (cancerous). About 6% of colorectal cancer patients have inherited polyposis syndromes. Various polyposis syndromes are characterized by specific genetic abnormalities and clinical features. Inherited syndromes include adenomatous polyposis syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and hamartomatous polyposis syndromes like Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

continue reading Inherited Polyposis Syndromes – Familial, Hereditary Colon Polyps

Non-Adenomatous Polyps

Non-adenomatous types of intestinal polyps can develop as a result of inflammation, abnormal maturation of mucosa or abnormal architecture. The non-adenomatous polyps are not as dangerous as the adenomatous polyps since most do not have the potential to become malignant (non-neoplastic). The non-adenomatous polyps can be hyperplastic, lymphoid, inflammatory, or juvenile in type.

Hyperplastic (Metaplastic) Polyps

Most of the patients with non-adenomatous polyps have hyperplastic type of polyps. Hyperplastic polyps usually result from the abnormal maturation of the mucosal cells of the intestines and are usually of small size. Hyperplastic polyps are mostly found in sigmoid colon or rectum and occur in association with hyperplastic polyposis syndrome in some patients.

Lymphoid Polyps

Lymphoid polyps are seen in association with hyperplasia (enhanced cell division) of lymphoid tissue in the intestinal mucosa. It is often benign and is seen in parts of the intestine where lymphoid tissues are concentrated like the ileum of the small intestine or rectum. Lymphoid polyps are formed of well differentiated lymphoid tissue.

Inflammatory Polyps

Inflammatory polyps are seen in patients suffering from inflammatory diseases of the intestine like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. The inflammatory polyps have areas of inflammation and ulceration. Unlike other non-adenomatous polyps, inflammatory polyps are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Juvenile Polyps

Also known as congenital or retention polyps, these type of polyps develop in the rectum of children below 5 years of age. It is usually a result of localized abnormal development of the normal tissue. Juvenile polyps are usually found incidentally but sometimes can be found in relation to rectal bleeding or intestinal obstruction. Asymptomatic juvenile polyps do not require any therapy.  Juvenile polyps can also be seen as a part of some hereditary syndromes like Peutz Jegher’s syndrome or juvenile polyposis syndrome. The latter has an increased risk of colon cancer.

Intestinal polyps are the outgrowths of tissue from the gastrointestinal epithelium that protrude into the lumen of the small and large intestine. It can be grouped into adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps. The colorectal adenomas are the most common polyps and associated with some risk of cancer.

Colorectal Adenomas

Adenomatous polyps originate from the epithelium and develop as a result of abnormal cell proliferation (dysplasia). These types of polyps are very common and may occur in 50% of people over the age of 60 years. It is more frequently found in the distal part of the colon and the rectum, therefore it is often referred to as colorectal adenomas.

continue reading Adenomatous Polyps (Colon) – Colorectal Adenomas, Cancer Risk