It's a good idea to keep copies of your medical records. You'll need them if you change doctors, move, get sick when you're away from home, or end up in an emergency room. If any of these things happen and you have your records, you may get treatment more quickly, and it will be safer. Here are some steps to get your...

Discusses disorder of intestines that causes symptoms such as belly pain, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Covers treatment by avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Includes medicines.

Looks at causes and symptoms of diverticulosis. Explains what diverticulosis is and how it is treated. Covers painful diverticular disease. Offers home treatment and prevention tips, including eating more dietary fiber.

What is rectal prolapse? In a rectal prolapse, part or all of the wall of the rectum slides out of place and sticks out of the anus. It may be a: Complete prolapse. The entire wall of the rectum slides out of place. At first, it may slip out of the anus only during bowel movements. Over time, this may occur when you...

Briefly discusses diverticular bleeding. Explains what diverticular bleeding is. Looks at causes, and symptoms such as severe rectal bleeding. Covers treatment options. Offers prevention tips, including eating a high-fiber diet.

In a technetium-labeled red blood cell bleeding scan, blood is taken from you, and a small amount of radioactive material called technetium is added to the blood. The blood with the technetium is then injected back into your bloodstream. Red blood cells with the technetium attached to them accumulate at the location of...

The guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) is used to screen for colorectal cancer. Cancer in the colon or polyps in the colon are more likely to bleed than normal colon tissue is. This test uses a chemical to check for very small amounts of blood in the stool. If signs of blood are found in the stool sample, more...

Learn about sedation, including how it's done, how you can prepare, and what the risks are.