Functional Bowel Disease

Functional bowel disease encompasses a wide variety of problems in which the bowel does not work properly. This can range from issues in which it is difficult to get poo out such as in constipation and obstructive defaecation, to problems when it is difficult to keep it in such as chronic diarrhoea and faecal incontinence.

Most of these problems can be helped with lifestyle modifications and medications but on occasion surgery is required. Dr Mackrill will discuss such surgical options with you and describe the situations in which surgery may be appropriate. Most functional issues with the colon can be managed without surgery but pelvic floor issues such as obstructive defaecation and rectal prolapse commonly need surgery.