…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….

Ability to control urination and bowel movements.

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

See bowel cancer.

An examination of the large bowel with a camera on a flexible tube (endoscope), which is passed through the anus.

An internal pouch surgically created using the lining of the large bowel. It may be formed during an ultra-low anterior resection.

The main working area of the large bowel, where water is removed from solid waste. Its four parts are the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon.

A protein that may be in the blood of a person with bowel cancer.

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.

The opening at the end of the bowel where solid waste matter normally leaves the body. The muscles that control it are called the anal sphincter.