Colorectal Surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders involving your large intestine (colon, rectum, anus and pelvic floor). Patients might be referred by gastroenterologists when surgical intervention is needed to treat Crohn’s disease or severe hemorrhoids.
Patients undergoing this type of surgery are often concerned about how it will affect their bowel function and ability to eat and use the bathroom normally. Educating yourself ahead of time can ease your anxiety.
Polyps are abnormal growths on the lining of the colon. They can vary in size from a tiny dot to several inches, and most are benign. However, a few can be precancerous or cancerous. Because the majority of colon cancers develop from polyps, we recommend routinely removing polyps when they are discovered during a colonoscopy. This procedure is called a polypectomy, and it can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by 80%.
Polyp removal involves a minimally invasive surgery, which is usually performed during the same visit as the colonoscopy. A gastroenterologist removes the polyps using a long, flexible tube, called an endoscope or colonoscope. He injects a fluid under the lesion to lift it off the lining of the colon for safer removal with a snare. He also uses a heat current in the snare to cauterize the tissue, which prevents bleeding. The polyps are then sent to a lab for examination to determine whether they are benign, precancerous, or cancerous.
During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia for safety and comfort. You may feel some pressure and cramping as the doctor removes the polyps, but most patients do not experience much pain. When the procedure is over, you will be able to resume your normal diet and routine immediately.
Your doctor will give you instructions to follow, including a clear liquid diet before your surgery. You must stay on this diet for 12 to 24 hours before the operation, which can include broth, gelatin, and clear fruit juice. It is important to follow these guidelines to make sure your stomach is completely empty for the surgery.
If the polyps are large or in a hard-to-reach location, your surgeon might use a minimally invasive technique like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or full-thickness resection. He or she will tunnel under the lesion through a small opening in your colon and remove it in pieces. You will need a colonoscopy within a few months to make sure the polyps do not return.
You might experience some constipation after the surgery, especially if you are taking pain medications. A stool softener, such as Colace, may be helpful. The shortened colon of a J pouch surgery may also cause your stool to pass at a faster rate than usual.
Removing Cancer
Some colorectal conditions cannot be treated with medicine alone and need to be surgically addressed. These are usually serious conditions that threaten life unless they’re dealt with quickly.
If your doctor suspects you have colon cancer, he or she will refer you to a specialist surgeon for further diagnosis and treatment options. This is important because early detection of colon cancer can help you live longer.
A colorectal surgeon specializes in the lower digestive tract, including the colon, rectum and anus. He or she will run diagnostic tests to detect problems such as polyps, which can become cancer if not removed. They also perform a range of surgery procedures to treat the colon and rectum, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques that reduce recovery time and blood loss.
When a patient needs surgery to treat a condition that affects the colon or rectum, they may be referred to a colorectal surgeon or general surgeon. Many people assume that a colorectal surgeon and a general surgeon are the same thing, but there is a difference between them in terms of education and training.
Your surgeon will determine whether you need an open or laparoscopic procedure, which is less invasive than traditional surgery. They will use several small abdominal incisions to insert a long, thin tube with a camera and surgical tools. This procedure is called laparoscopy, and it allows your surgeon to see inside the colon on a screen and operate more precisely.
If you have a large tumor in your colon, your surgeon will likely perform a large bowel resection or colectomy. This involves removing the part of your colon that contains the cancer and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. They will then reconnect the healthy colon sections in a process known as anastomosis.
A colorectal surgeon may also remove lymph nodes that are associated with the portion of your colon or rectum that they’ve removed. This helps your physician determine whether the cancer has spread beyond your colon and into other organs or lymph nodes.
If your colon is enlarged and you have a blockage, your surgeon can create a stoma, which will connect your colon to your skin. They can also insert a metal mesh tube that will help ease the blockage and prevent it from returning.
Removing Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop inside or outside the anus. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching and bleeding while squatting or going to the bathroom. Hemorrhoids are very common and most people have them at some point. A variety of things can lead to hemorrhoids, including a sedentary lifestyle and sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
If symptoms persist, a Colorectal Surgeon can treat them with surgery. The first option is hemorrhoidectomy, which involves removing the extra hemorrhoids from inside the anus. The surgeon may use a variety of surgical tools to do this. A surgeon can also use a special energy device to remove the hemorrhoids and seal the blood vessels at the same time.
Another option is rubber band ligation, which uses a small rubber band to cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply. This procedure is usually done in the office and requires anesthesia. It can be painful, but it usually works. It can also be repeated if necessary.
Lastly, a surgeon can staple hemorrhoids in the office to remove them and reduce the likelihood of them returning. This procedure is very effective and has a low rate of complications. It is a bit more painful than the rubber band ligation, but it usually works better and faster.
Before hemorrhoid surgery, a patient will be required to take laxatives and adhere to a strict diet for one or two days. This helps to cleanse the colon, which reduces the chance of infection during and after the surgery.
Once the procedure is complete, a patient will spend about 30 minutes to an hour recovering in the recovery room. Patients are encouraged to ask their surgeons any questions they have about the recovery process. They are usually permitted to return home the same day, but will need someone to drive them.
During follow-up appointments, the physician will conduct physical examinations to ensure that the surgical site is healing well. This will allow the doctor to catch any complications early on and provide guidance for post-operation care. It’s important that patients attend these appointments to help them recover quickly and safely.
Repairing Hernias
If your doctor refers you to a colorectal surgeon, it is because they believe that they can best help you with your condition. They are highly trained and use modern surgical techniques to promote healing. They also participate in national and international research studies to improve your surgical outcomes.
A hernia occurs when a part of your body slips through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Your hernia may be small or large, and it can be in your rectum or anus. Your hernia may be repaired with tissue repair or mesh repair. Tissue repair involves pushing the protruding organ back into place and stitching the muscles around it. Mesh repair involves placing a layer of either permanent or temporary mesh to prevent future hernias. The hernia surgery can be laparoscopic or open, depending on the size of your hernia and how much damage occurred to muscle.
Many conditions that require surgery of the colon and rectum can be treated with medical treatments, lifestyle changes and other therapies. However, in some cases, a hernia or a cancerous polyp will need to be removed with surgery. These conditions can cause serious complications that significantly reduce your quality of life.
A colorectal surgeon can perform a wide variety of surgeries to treat these problems. For example, they can remove polyps from the inside of your colon. They can also perform a procedure called strictureplasty to relieve narrowing in the colon caused by inflammation from Crohn’s disease. They can also help with other conditions like rectal prolapse, piles and hemorrhoids.
If you have a disease that requires surgery of the colon, your surgeon will work with other specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan for you. They will consult with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and radiologists to ensure that you receive the most appropriate care for your specific condition.
Your surgeon will be able to provide you with advice about diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes that can help your health and recovery. They can also recommend medications if needed. After your surgery, you will need to spend some time recovering in the hospital or a recovery room. The recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you have. Some procedures are minimally invasive, requiring only an office visit and a few weeks of recovery at home. Other surgeries are more complex and will require a longer hospital stay.
