Digestive system

Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Find out about how it works and some related conditions.

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Hemicolectomy

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

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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.

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Giardiasis (giardia)

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

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Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, a very effective surgery for weight loss, helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food.

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Worms in humans

Several types of intestinal worms may infect people in Australia, but threadworms are by far the most common. Find out the symptoms and treatment of worms.

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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.

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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.

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Malabsorption syndromes

Information about malabsorption syndromes from our information partners.

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Tapeworm infection

Tapeworms can cause infection when drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked meat from infected animals. Find out more about its symptoms and treatments.

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Digestive system cancers

Information about digestive system cancers from leading Australian health organisations.

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Colostomy

A colostomy is surgery to bring part of the colon to the surface of the body to form an opening. Waste is collected using a bag called a stoma pouch.

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Bowel obstruction

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

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Parasitic diseases

Links to our information partners' articles about parasitic diseases.

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Lactose intolerance

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

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Bowel cancer – a personal story

Being diagnosed with bowel cancer can be both emotionally and practically challenging. Listening to others who have experienced similar situations is often reassuring and can be helpful. This video interview has been sourced from healthtalk.org, award-winning research into patient experiences in conjunction with the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University, UK.

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Itchy anus (pruritus ani)

An itchy anus, also called pruritus ani is a common complaint. The itch, in or around the anus, can be extremely intense and persistent, causing a constant urge to scratch. Read about causes, things you can do and when to see a doctor.

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Rectal diseases

Rectal problems include haemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses and incontinence.

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Pancreatic cancer

Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur in people over the age of 50. Find out why the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed is so important.

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Appendicectomy

Appendectomy is an operation to remove an infected or inflamed appendix. Learn how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect.

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Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the anus to view the inside of the large bowel. It helps in diagnosing or treating some medical conditions.

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Living with a stoma

Around 46,000 Australians live with a stoma (ostomy) after the removal of a section of their bowel or bladder and, with support, most maintain a good quality of life.

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Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful swelling and redness inside the digestive tract.

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Threadworms (pinworms)

Threadworms infect children when eggs are transferred from their hands to their mouths. Learn the symptoms, treatment and prevention of threadworm.

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Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis (gastro) is an infection of the gut that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Learn here about gastro treatment and symptoms.

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Bowel cancer in young people on the rise — here’s what to look out for

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.

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Get behind bowel cancer screening

Free bowel cancer screening test kits are being sent to Australians aged from 50 to 74. Bowel cancer is one of the most curable cancers – if detected early on.

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Surgery for rectal cancer

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

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Colon resection for colon cancer

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

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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.

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