Treatments & Detection Methods

A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum. This exam is performed for men as part of their annual physical to check the prostate gland.

Gastrointestinal surgery is a treatment for diseases of the parts of the body involved in digestion. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum, as well as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

A hernia is a place where part of an organ pushes through a weak area of the muscle that should hold it in place, affecting both children and adults. A hernia can happen in different parts of the body, including in the groin, belly button, intestine, or diaphragm.

Diagnostic laparoscopy (lap-ah-RAHS-cup-ee) is surgery that uses a small video camera to look at the inside of your abdomen (belly) and pelvis.

Paracentesis [par-uh-sen-TEE-sis] is a procedure in which fluid is removed from the abdominal cavity to relieve abdominal pain and/or diagnose underlying conditions. A needle is inserted into the abdomen and fluid is taken out with a syringe.