Ability to control urination and bowel movements.

Strong muscles that form a valve. The anal sphincter muscles relax when a bowel movement occurs….

A projecting growth from a surface in the body, such as the large bowel. Most polyps are benign, but they can become malignant….

A disease that increases the risk of developing bowel cancer. Previously called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)….

An operation that connects the small bowel to a surgically created opening (stoma) in the abdomen.

A benign condition that causes polyps to form in the large bowel. The polyps will become cancerous if untreated.

A liquid solution that washes out the bowel.

…inserted into different cavities in the body for a close examination. They are often named after the part of the body they are designed to examine, such as a laryngoscope for the larynx and a colonoscopy to examine the bowel….

An examination of the bowel area using a white contrast liquid called barium. The barium is inserted into the rectum and x-rays are taken.

An opening (stoma) in the abdomen made from the colon (part of the large bowel). Also, the operation that creates this stoma.