The digestive system breaks down everything you eat and drink to absorb nutrients and make the energy your body needs. Whatever solids can’t be broken down and used get excreted as poop. Poop comes in ...

Ileostomy and colostomy are two types of ostomy surgery that treat diseases and conditions affecting the digestive system. Both include the creation of a stoma, by which a small piece of intestine is ...

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Christopher Damman, University of Washington (THE CONVERSATION) Microbiome research to ...

A loop colostomy is a kind of colostomy that may be done to either manage gastrointestinal issues or provide bowel rest. It is easier to reverse than other types, which makes it a common option for ...

An ostomy bag is an umbrella term for the types of bags that collect waste from surgical openings in your intestines or bladder. A colostomy bag is a type of ostomy bag used to collect stool. Share on ...

The descending colon is a section of the large intestine that passes downward. Its functions include storing food remains before they pass through the rest of the colon and rectum for elimination. The ...

Inflammation from Crohn’s disease can cause thickening or scar tissue inside your small intestine, which sometimes leads to narrow areas called strictures. A strictureplasty for Crohn’s disease is a ...