Colorectal Surgery
Colon and rectal diseases comprise a broad range of conditions and ailments, the severity of which can vary from mildly irritating to life threatening. Research has demonstrated that early screening and treatment of colon and rectal diseases can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates, yet many patients delay or don't seek treatment because of lack of knowledge about their disease and its symptoms or the benefits of early treatment, or are too embarrassed to seek help.
What Is Colorectal Surgery?
Colorectal surgeons are specialists in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal prolapse
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal abscesses and fistulas
- Fecal incontinence
- Colonoscopies: screening and diagnostic
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colorectal surgeons specialize in the treatment of colon and rectal cancers, and have the expertise to provide the most up-to-date treatment plans. Colorectal surgeons strive to provide sphincter sparing surgery when possible to help patients from requiring colostomies. Some of the advanced surgical techniques that we provide are transanal excision of masses and sphincter preserving resection with coloanal anastomosis.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease affects many people. Diverticula are small pockets that develop outside of the colon wall. Sometimes these pockets become inflamed or infected and patients develop what is called diverticulitis. When this occurs, patients require treatment, which can range from outpatient antibiotics to emergency surgery with a colostomy. The colorectal service provides treatment for patients at all ends of the spectrum and can provide them with the most up-to-date options.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Colorectal surgeons work closely with Gastroenterologist to help manage patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Sometimes, medical management isn’t enough or the patients develop complications from the disease that requires surgical assistance. Colorectal surgeons have specific training to help manage and treat the surgical aspects of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Colorectal surgeons can offer resection, strictureplasty, or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.
Anorectal Pathologies
Colorectal surgeons have extensive training in managing multiple anorectal issues. These issues include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, pilonidal disease, anorectal abscess or fistula, and malignant tumors.
- Hemorrhoids are part of your normal anatomy; however, sometimes they enlarge and cause symptoms of discomfort and bleeding.
- Anal fissures are breaks in the anal canal lining. Patients experience pain and bleeding after having a bowel movement.
- Pilonidal disease may develop at the upper aspect of your buttocks. It generally involves multiple abscess or pits developing over time.
- Anorectal abscess and fistulas develop in many patients. Patients experience swelling and pain in the anorectal region with accompanied fevers. Treatment usual requires drainage of the infection and then treatment of the fistula.
- Malignant tumors may develop in the anorectal region. Colorectal surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat these tumors. Treatment options can be complex and will be discussed with you.
- Fecal Incontinence is when you cannot control your bowel movements and liquid or solid stool leaks unexpectedly from the rectum. Fecal incontinence can be embarrassing to talk about but treatment of this can improve your quality of life.
