Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionConditionsOther Colon SectionsTestsTreatmentRecovery
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Function
Conditions
Other Colon Sections
Tests
Treatment
Recovery
Thesigmoid colonis the section of the large intestine closest to the rectum and anus. It measures around 35 to 40 centimeters (around 1.5 feet) in length and is shaped like the letter “S.“Its job is to hold fecal matter until you have a bowel movement.
The sigmoid colon is part of the distal colon, which is the area of the colon containing the descending colon (left part of the colon) and sigmoid colon.
Some conditions that affect the sigmoid colon includecolon polyps,colon cancer,ulcerative colitis, anddiverticular disease. If you have a problem with your sigmoid colon, you will likely have abdominal pain. Sigmoid colon pain is typically felt in the lower left of the abdomen and may spread to the pelvis and radiate in the back.
Sigmoid colon problems may also cause loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea or constipation. Some people may see blood in their stool.
This article will cover the function of the sigmoid colon, conditions that may affect it, diagnosis of sigmoid conditions, treatment, and more.
What Is the Sigmoid Colon’s Function?
The sigmoid colon’s primary function is to transport fecal matter from the descending colon to the rectum and anus.The descending colon is located on the left side of the body and is responsible for storing digested food remains before they move into the rest of the colon and toward the rectum.
Wavelike contractions of the smooth muscle move the contents of the sigmoid colon.Feces will form in both the descending and sigmoid colon and then accumulate in the rectum before you have a bowel movement.
Another function of the sigmoid colon is to absorb water, vitamins, and other nutrients from the fecal matter before it reaches the rectum.The sigmoid colon also has natural flora (friendly bacteria and other microbes) that live in the intestines and facilitate food digestion.
Associated Sigmoid Colon Conditions
Many different health conditions can lead to problems of the sigmoid colon. Colon problems are sometimes linked to lifestyle (i.e., smoking or a diet high in fat and red meat), having obesity, aging, a family history of colon conditions, and genetics.
Colon Polyps
Acolon polypis a small growth forming in the colon’s linings. Most are harmless, but some may lead to colon cancer over time.
Anyone can develop colon polyps, but some people are at a higher risk for them, including people over age 50, people who are overweight, or people who smoke.Colon polyps usually do not cause symptoms.Regular screening testscan find them in their early stage, where they can be safely removed.
Diverticular Diseases
Diverticulosisanddiverticulitisare diverticular diseases.Diverticulosis causes small, bulging pouches called diverticula to develop in the lining of the intestines. Diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed or infected.
Possible causes of diverticular diseases include high pressure in the colon, family history, medications includingnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), and lifestyle factors (i.e., lack of exercise, having obesity, and smoking).
Most people do not experience symptoms of diverticulosis. Should you have symptoms, they may include:
Diverticulitis will cause pain in the inflamed pouches. Pain is usually experienced in the lower left part of the abdomen.The pain might be severe and come on suddenly.
Additional symptoms may include:
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer(cancer that starts in the colon or rectum) is the most common cancer in the United States.Colorectal cancer that does not involve the rectum is sometimes simply calledcolon cancer.
Colon cancer starts when abnormal cells grow on the inner lining of the colon.The cancerous cells may spread through the colon’s walls and into the lymphatic system if left untreated. An earlier diagnosis improves the potential for a full recovery.
Lymphatic SystemThelymphatic systemis the network of vessels, nodes, and ducts passing through most body tissues. They allow for the movement of lymph fluid, which plays a vital role in fighting off disease.
Lymphatic System
Thelymphatic systemis the network of vessels, nodes, and ducts passing through most body tissues. They allow for the movement of lymph fluid, which plays a vital role in fighting off disease.
Regular colon screenings could prevent colon cancer or find it early.Screenings are especially critical if you are someone with risk factors, including a family history of colorectal cancer or if you are a smoker.
Colon cancer does not usually cause symptoms early on. When symptoms are noticeable, they may include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, get in touch with your healthcare provider right away.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) refers to two conditions—Crohn’s diseaseandulcerative colitis—that lead togastrointestinal (GI) tractinflammation.Prolonged inflammation can cause damage to the GI tract.
Symptoms of IBD include:
Fistula
Afistulais an abnormal connection (tunnel) between two organs or vessels that typically do not connect.A colonic fistula connects the colon to the skin’s surface or an internal organ (i.e., intestine, bladder, or vagina).
Colonic fistulas are rare and may occur due to a surgical complication, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, or diverticulitis.
Symptoms of a colonic fistula include:
Volvulus
Colonic volvulusis when the colon twists around the tissue that holds it in place.The twisting leads to anintestinal obstruction. The most common type of colonic volvulus is the sigmoid volvulus or twisting of the sigmoid colon.
Colonic volvulus is rare in the United States. It is more common in areas of the world (Africa, the Middle East, India, Russia, etc.) where people eat a high-fiber diet, which is a risk factor.It often affects adults ages 50 to 80.
Symptoms of colonic volvulus include:
Untreated colonic volvulus can lead to infection orshock.
Dyssynergic Defecation
Dyssynergic defecationis a condition that leads to chronic constipation. It results from a disconnect between the muscles that control bowel movements.Symptoms related to this condition can lead to sigmoid colon pain.
Symptoms include:
Digestive Problems
Colon pain and other symptoms are sometimes the result of temporary digestive issues. For example, constipation can cause colon pain if the stool is too large or hard. Diarrhea may also cause abdominal pain and cramping, which leads to colon pain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive condition that causes symptoms that affect the colon. Such symptoms include:
Colon Pain Symptoms and How to Relieve Them
Sigmoid Anatomy and Role of Other Colon Sections
Thecolon, or large intestine, is part of the digestive system and helps the body absorb water and nutrients before excreting fecal waste. The colon is made of muscle and is located just below the stomach. It is a U-shaped tube that is around 5 feet long and consists of five major sections.
The five sections are:
Testing to Diagnose Sigmoid Colon Pain
If you experience symptoms that might indicate a sigmoid colon problem, such as pain, you should contact a healthcare provider. They can request tests to determine the source of your symptoms. Depending on test results, they might refer you to agastroenterologistor other specialist.
What Is a Gastroenterologist?A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor specializing in conditions that affect the digestive system. The digestive system includes the organs that make up the GI tract—the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
What Is a Gastroenterologist?
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor specializing in conditions that affect the digestive system. The digestive system includes the organs that make up the GI tract—the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.
Diagnostic tools for determining the source of sigmoid colon pain might include:
Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening
Treatment Overview for Sigmoid Colon Complications
Treatment for a sigmoid colon problem depends on the condition. Your treatment options may include:
What to Know About Stomach Polyps
Watchful Waiting
Colon polyps may not need treatment and may go away on their own.The same applies to small fistulas where infection is controlled.You will be monitored with regular screenings (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) to keep an eye on further growth and to get ahead of any problems.
Nonmedical treatment options for dyssynergic defecation include avoiding constipating medications, eating at least 25 grams of fiber daily, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, taking fiber supplements,pelvic floor therapy, andbiofeedback therapyto retrain rectal and anal muscles.Medication might be considered if there is no improvement.
Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy
If volvulus has not damaged the colon, it can be treated with a sigmoidoscopy.With the guidance of the sigmoidoscope, your healthcare provider can untwist the sigmoid colon. However, this is not a permanent solution and a volvulus might reform.
A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy can be used to remove small polyps.Once polyps are removed, they are sent to pathology for testing. Most polyps can be removed without the need for surgery.
Medication
Treatment for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis will depend on the severity of the condition and how symptoms worsen.Medications to treat these conditions includesystemic corticosteroids,5-aminosalicylic acids, immunomodulators,biological therapies,Janus kinase inhibitors, and antibiotics.
Medications used totreat colon cancerinclude chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.If treatment is needed for a colonic fistula, it may include antibiotics and restoring fluids, electrolytes, and acids.
Drug treatment for mild diverticular disease includes oralbroad-spectrum antibiotics, Tylenol (acetaminophen), andantispasmodicsto manage pain.Severe diverticular disease may require intravenous (IV) or oral antibiotics and pain medications. Dyssynergic defecation is sometimes treated medically withBotox(onabotulinumtoxinA) injectionsof the anal muscles.
Acute constipation and diarrhea can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives and antidiarrheal medicines. You should contact a healthcare provider if constipation or diarrhea is chronic, as these may be signs of more serious digestive conditions. IBS can be treated with OTC and prescription medicines, depending on symptom severity.
Resection
A colon resection means the removal of a diseased portion of the colon in a surgery called a partialcolectomy.
If surgery is needed to treat diverticulitis, one of two procedures might be performed. Partial colon resection withanastomosisremoves a section of the colon and connects the two ends so stool passes through to the rectum as usual. In a partial colon resection with acolostomy, a section of the colon is removed, and the end is connected to a stoma created for stool to pass out of the body and be collected in a pouch.
If a sigmoid volvulus returns or causes colon damage, your healthcare provider might recommend a partial colectomy.With these procedures, the sigmoid colon is the resected part of the colon.
What Is a Partial or Total Colectomy?
Removal
Large polyps carry the risk of becoming cancerous and will need to be surgically removed. If a fistula needs surgery, it may involve removing the fistula, closing the bladder wall, or a colonic resection.
If cancer is found in the sigmoid colon, this part of the colon is removed, and the descending colon is reconnected to the rectum.
Recovering From Sigmoid Colon Surgery
Your recovery following a sigmoid colon surgery will depend on the type of surgery you have had. Most colon surgeries require recovery in the hospital and, in some cases, arehabilitation center. You will also need follow-up visits with your healthcare provider.
Recovery from a sigmoid colectomy or other surgery to treat a colon problem could take several weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.Most people can return to everyday routines within two weeks of surgery.
But your full recovery may depend on the underlying cause. For example, if you have cancer or IBD, you may need further treatment.
Summary
The sigmoid colon is located on the left side of the abdomen in the large intestine. It is connected to the rectum and holds fecal matter until you have a bowel movement.
If you have a sigmoid colon problem, you may feel pain in the lower part of your abdomen. Other symptoms might include bloody stools, bloating, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Conditions that can affect the sigmoid colon include colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fistulas, and volvulus.
A sigmoid colon condition can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, including a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsy. Treatment options for sigmoid colon conditions may include sigmoidoscopy, medications, and various surgeries and procedures.
You should contact a healthcare provider or a gastroenterologist if you have symptoms of a colon condition. Some of these can be life-threatening and require treatment as soon as possible.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bazira PJ.Anatomy of the caecum, appendix, and colon.Surgery (Oxford). 2023;41(1):1-6. doi:10.1016/j.mpsur.2022.11.003National Cancer Institute.Definition of distal colon.Baran B, Mert Ozupek N, Yerli Tetik N, et al.Difference between left-sided and right-sided colorectal cancer: a focused review of literature.Gastroenterology Res. 2018;11(4):264-273. doi:10.14740/gr1062wOregon State University.23.6 the small and large intestines.American College of Gastroenterology.Colon polyps.Harvard Health.Diverticular disease of the colon.American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.American Cancer Society.What is colorectal cancer?American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonic & anorectal fistulas.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonic volvulus.Rao SS, Patcharatrakul T.Diagnosis and treatment of dyssynergic defecation.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(3):423-435. doi:10.5056/jnm16060Fukudo S, Okumura T, Inamori M, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome 2020.J Gastroenterol. 2021;56(3):193-217. (correction 2023;58(11):1165). doi:10.1007/s00535-020-01746-zNational Cancer Institute.Anatomy of colon and rectum.Micheau A, Hoa D.Transverse colon - e-anatomy. IMAIOS.Micheau A, Hoa D.Descending colon - e-anatomy. IMAIOS.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.MedlinePlus.Colonoscopy.Harvard Health Publishing.Sigmoidoscopy.American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.Cedars Sinai.Sigmoid colectomy.Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your colon resection surgery.American Cancer Society.Colostomy types.
Bazira PJ.Anatomy of the caecum, appendix, and colon.Surgery (Oxford). 2023;41(1):1-6. doi:10.1016/j.mpsur.2022.11.003
National Cancer Institute.Definition of distal colon.
Baran B, Mert Ozupek N, Yerli Tetik N, et al.Difference between left-sided and right-sided colorectal cancer: a focused review of literature.Gastroenterology Res. 2018;11(4):264-273. doi:10.14740/gr1062w
Oregon State University.23.6 the small and large intestines.
American College of Gastroenterology.Colon polyps.
Harvard Health.Diverticular disease of the colon.
American Cancer Society.Key statistics for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.What is colorectal cancer?
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonic & anorectal fistulas.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonic volvulus.
Rao SS, Patcharatrakul T.Diagnosis and treatment of dyssynergic defecation.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2016;22(3):423-435. doi:10.5056/jnm16060
Fukudo S, Okumura T, Inamori M, et al.Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for irritable bowel syndrome 2020.J Gastroenterol. 2021;56(3):193-217. (correction 2023;58(11):1165). doi:10.1007/s00535-020-01746-z
National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of colon and rectum.
Micheau A, Hoa D.Transverse colon - e-anatomy. IMAIOS.
Micheau A, Hoa D.Descending colon - e-anatomy. IMAIOS.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Your digestive system & how it works.
MedlinePlus.Colonoscopy.
Harvard Health Publishing.Sigmoidoscopy.
American Cancer Society.Treating colorectal cancer.
Cedars Sinai.Sigmoid colectomy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.About your colon resection surgery.
American Cancer Society.Colostomy types.
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