The functional and organic alterations of the colon constitute one of
the leading reasons why patients consult gastroenterologists. The
irritable colon is one of the most com- mon causes of discomfort in
human beings. The organic pathology of the large bowel (malignancy and
chronic inflammatory disease) contributes, particularly among Occi-
dental peoples, to discouragingly high levels of morbidity and
mortality. One realizes the importance of having a thorough physiologic
knowledge of the colon in order to scientifically plan the functional
treatment of organic colonic dis- eases. If we consider the large amount
of material published on the physiology of the esophagus, stomach, small
bowel, pancreas, and liver, we realize that the colon has been
relatively neglected. The chapters in this book have been written by
people who have done their utmost to alter this imbalance. I want to
thank all the contributors for their generous collaboration that allows
me to present in one volume virtually all the information known about
the structure and function of the colon, and to record my deep graditude
to Dr. Howard Spiro for his willingness to include this volume in his
series. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Plenum
Publishing Corporation for making this book possible. A spe- cial thanks
goes to Dr.