Appendicitis is one of the most common surgical interventions in the world with around 300,000 performed in the US alone. Additionally, bowel obstructions/resection, abdominal wall hernias, colectomy, colectomy, and operative management of peptic ulcer disease have accounted for a 80% of emergency general surgery procedures and for 7% of hospital admissions.

Due to the high prevalence of these intestinal disorders, it is important that physicians and surgeons have a way to effectively communicate about pathology of the intestines with patients and fellow colleagues.

Because the colon, rectum, and intestine are often stigmatized, this emoji can be instrumental in helping normalize the conversation around associated diseases and raise awareness where population-wide screening is already recommended.