Worms in humans

Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are the most common. Learn about symptoms and treatment of worms.

Read more

Hemicolectomy

A hemicolectomy is an operation where a section of your large intestine is removed. It is usually done to treat a condition such as bowel cancer.

Read more

Threadworms (pinworms)

Threadworms live in your intestines and cause an itchy anus (bottom). Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of worms.

Read more

Giardiasis (giardia)

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine with the parasite giardia. Learn about causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of giardiasis.

Read more

Flatulence

Flatulence is the passing of air or gas from the intestine and through the anus, often accompanied by a sound and smell. Read more about flatulence.

Read more

Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food. It is usually very effective.

Read more

Open inguinal hernia repair (female)

An inguinal hernia is a lump which appears in the passage where blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. It can be dangerous because your intestines can have their blood supply cut off.

Read more

Gastrointestinal illnesses

Gastrointestinal illnesses are very common. Some may last for only a day or two; others are long term. Learn here about their causes, symptoms and treatments.

Read more

Digestive system

Your digestive system breaks down the foods you eat so they can be absorbed into the body and used for energy and nutrients. Discover how it works.

Read more

Malabsorption syndromes

Malabsorption syndrome refers to several disorders that affect someone’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food.

Read more

Tapeworm infection

Tapeworm infections happen when you drink contaminated water or eat undercooked meat from infected animals. Learn about symptoms and treatments here.

Read more

Bowel obstruction

Bowel obstruction can cause serious health problems. If you have a bowel obstruction, you will usually need immediate treatment in hospital.

Read more

Colon resection for colon cancer

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of colon cancer.

Read more

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes 2 main conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which both cause inflammation in the bowel.

Read more

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgery. It brings part of your colon (bowel) to the surface of your body to form an opening. Find out more about colostomies here.

Read more

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, or milk sugar. Learn more about treatment, symptoms and tests for lactose intolerance.

Read more

Rectal diseases

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence.

Read more

Blood in stool

Blood in your stool (poo) can indicate a serious problem. Find out more about the causes of blood in your poo and what you should do about it.

Read more

Gut health

Gut health is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Find out about how to maintain your gut health and about your gut microbiome.

Read more

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is more common in people over the age of 50. Find out why the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed is so important.

Read more

Appendicitis

Learn about appendicitis, inflammation of the appendix, including possible causes, common symptoms and the main treatment options.

Read more

Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome, formerly known as HNPCC, is a genetic condition that increases the risk of a person developing some cancers, such as bowel cancer.

Read more

Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a procedure to look inside your oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach. Find out what happens during a gastroscopy and when it is done.

Read more

Duodenal ulcer

Duodenal ulcers are a common cause of abdominal pain, but they can be treated. Learn what causes duodenal ulcers and how best to deal with them.

Read more

Anthrax

Anthrax is rare in Australia. It is a serious bacterial infection you can catch from contact with infected animals or animal products.

Read more

Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines used to treat constipation, which is when you have trouble passing stools (poo).

Read more

Surgery for rectal cancer

Removing the cancer by surgery gives you the best chance of being free of rectal cancer.

Read more

Getting a poo test: who and how often?

Bowel cancer more commonly occurs in older people, while rates of the deadly disease in younger people are going up. But whatever your age, it's important to know the warning signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Learn more here.

Read more

Stomach ulcers

Stomach ulcers occur in the lining of your stomach. Be aware of the symptoms and get diagnosed early to treat ulcers and prevent complications.

Read more

Umbilical hernia repair (child)

An umbilical hernia is caused by a weakness in the layer of muscle of the abdominal wall, just behind the belly button. This can be repaired by surgery.

Read more