Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Bowel leakage and fecal incontinence affect millions of people, yet many are uncomfortable talking about them. In this episode of Butts & Guts, Giovanna da Silva Southwick, MD, colorectal surgeon and Director of Clinical Research at Cleveland Clinic Florida, discusses what causes loss of bowel control, who is most at risk and the latest treatment options available to help patients regain confidence and improve quality of life.

Bariatric endoscopy offers incisionless weight loss options for people looking for an alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. Stephen Firkins, MD, gastroenterologist and Co-Director of Advanced and Bariatric Endoscopy for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, joins Butts & Guts to explain procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), who may benefit and what patients can expect before and after treatment.

In this episode of Butts & Guts, Dr. Kevin Wissinger, a general surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Florida, discusses inguinal hernias, including common signs and symptoms, how they’re diagnosed and when treatment may be needed. He also discusses watchful waiting, surgical repair options and the role of mesh in hernia repair.

What can you do to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer? Robert Simon, MD, general surgeon and hepatobiliary/pancreatic specialist at Cleveland Clinic's Digestive Disease Institute, discusses pancreatic cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening, including the role of family history, genetics and lifestyle.

Constipation is common, but when is it more than just an occasional problem? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic Florida gastroenterologist, Dr. Monica Multani, discusses the causes of constipation, the role of fiber and hydration, and safe treatment options to help keep your digestive system moving. Learn when lifestyle changes may help, when it's time to seek medical care, and how healthy bowel habits support digestive and gut health.