Conditions We Treat

We diagnose and treat disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus, including the following:

• Involuntary loss of bowel control
• Rectal prolapse
• Obstructed defecation
• Constipation
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Pelvic pain or trauma

Causes of Bowel Disorders

Bowel disorders are complex and can be caused by multiple factors. In many cases, an injury to the bowel or anus will not cause problems until many years later. One of the more common disorders is fecal incontinence. Few physical problems are as stigmatizing; many patients even avoid discussing this condition with their doctors or their spouses.

Fortunately, the University of Rochester Medical Center now offers new hope for patients with fecal incontinence and disorders of defecation through the region's most advanced colorectal services.

Possible causes of defecatory disorders include:

• Injury to the sphincter muscles during childbirth, from forceps delivery, episiotomy, tears, lacerations or infection
• Scarring from diseases such as ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease
• Previous surgery on the bowel
• Diseases that affect the nerves, such as diabetes
• Rectal prolapse
• Trauma
• Advanced age