Common conditions associated with the lower GI tract include diverticular disease, polyps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cancer, or Crohn’s disease, and usually require prompt clinical care by a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Lower GI Tract Conditions The lower GI tract consists of the small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Most of the nutrients from our food are absorbed in the small intestine; what’s left in the small intestine is waste, which then travels to the large intestine. As the waste products move through our colon, water is absorbed, and the particles become solid – which is what forms into stool. The stool then moves into the lower part of the colon, followed by the rectum and anal canal. There, it passes out of the body as a bowel movement. When there are issues with the lower GI tract, symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, and hemorrhoids. These symptoms can be quite painful and should not be ignored, as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Diseases of the Lower GI Tract Conditions of the lower GI tract include