The lower part of your digestive tract, called the large intestine, is comprised of the colon and rectum and is also sometimes called the colorectal region. It can develop issues that range from occasionally bothersome to life-threatening. As an example, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women who live in the U.S.

There are also a number of noncancerous conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. These include, but are not limited to, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, blockages and ruptures, infected pockets (diverticulitis) and abscesses, and others that can take a toll of your quality of life and may require medical care. In the case of cancer or when lifestyle changes, medicine, and other options do not ease symptoms of noncancerous conditions, your doctor may suggest surgery.