Our team of colorectal surgeons has completed specialized training to diagnose and treat conditions in the colon, anus and rectum. They use advanced surgical techniques to promote healing and reduce hospital stays.
Colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and other anorectal disorders can cause pain, bleeding or blockages in the lower digestive tract. Read on Copper Mountain Surgical for more information.
A colorectal surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. They can diagnose a range of conditions, from minor concerns like hemorrhoids to more serious issues such as cancer. A colon or rectal surgeon works closely with gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists and other specialists to develop a comprehensive care plan for each patient.
A doctor may refer you to a colorectal surgeon to determine if your symptoms require medical management. They will review your health history and symptoms, and perform tests to gather more information about your condition. These tests can include a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or pelvic ultrasound. They can also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess your condition, which combines a series of detailed images for greater accuracy.
If your symptoms don’t improve with medication, a colon or rectal surgeon can recommend more invasive treatments. These can include a colonoscopy, which uses a long tube with a camera on the end to examine the colon and rectum. A sigmoidoscopy is another type of test that allows doctors to inspect the colon for ulcers, polyps and other signs of cancer. A pelvic ultrasound can check for problems in the colon and rectum such as anal fissures or hernias.
During surgery, your doctor may use a laparoscopic technique that reduces the risk of infection and pain. During laparoscopic surgery, your doctor will make several small incisions and insert a tube with a camera on one end to view your colon on a screen. They will then place surgical tools in the other incisions to remove or repair your colon. If your colon has been damaged by cancer, they may also need to reconstruct it.
Other procedures that a colorectal surgeon can perform include a colostomy, which creates an opening in your abdomen to connect to the large intestine and help you expel waste. They can also perform ileostomy, which is similar to a colostomy but is performed in the lower part of your small intestine called the ileum. A colon or rectal surgeon can also treat other disorders of the colon and rectum, including diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome. They can also perform hemorrhoid surgeries to treat swollen veins near the anus or anal fissures that are painful when touched.
Treatment
Surgical treatments can help with many conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus. Symptoms of these conditions may include a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen or rectal area, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements). A colorectal surgeon can perform surgery on the colon, rectum and anus to treat conditions such as cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease and hernias.
Colorectal surgeons use minimally invasive techniques when possible, which are less traumatic for the body. These methods allow patients to recover faster, and often result in a shorter hospital stay. Before surgery, patients should talk with their doctor about the procedures they are considering. For example, a patient may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Minimally invasive surgery can be done with a small incision or through a robotic procedure. These surgeries involve inserting a camera or tools through keyhole-size cuts in the abdomen. This type of surgery is usually performed with the patient awake.
A common surgery is a colectomy, which removes part or all of the colon to treat colon cancer or other conditions that affect the colon. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you based on your condition.
Sometimes it isn’t safe or possible to reconnect the bowel after surgery. In this situation, your surgeon will create a hole in the abdominal wall and pull the intestine through it into a bag outside the body. This is called a colostomy or ileostomy, and it can be temporary or permanent.
Colorectal surgeons also perform complex reconstructive surgeries to replace a colon or rectum that has been removed due to cancer, colitis or a tumor. They may use intestinal tissue to create a new pouch, or they might transplant tissue from another part of the colon or rectum. They can also repair anal fistulas, which are tiny tunnels that develop between the skin and the anus or rectum. These may ooze blood or pus and can lead to fecal incontinence. They can also correct a rectal prolapse, which is when a portion of the rectum slips out of the anus.
Surgery
Your large intestine, or colon, is the last part of your lower gastrointestinal tract. It absorbs nutrients and carries waste out of your body. If you have symptoms in this area, your healthcare provider may refer you to a colorectal surgeon for medical treatment or surgery.
In addition to conducting diagnostic tests, including a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, colorectal surgeons can perform various surgical procedures. Many of these surgeries are done through laparoscopy, which is less invasive than traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves making several small abdominal incisions and inserting a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) to view the colon’s lining and insert the surgical tools. The surgeon will then remove the tissue that is causing problems.
Other procedures include bowel resection, which is the removal of part or all of your colon. Bowel resection may be necessary for conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or rectal cancer. Colostomy surgery, in which a stoma is created to connect your colon to your abdomen, is also common. This may be needed for conditions such as cancer, failure of other treatments or incontinence.
Hemorrhoidectomy, or the surgical removal of hemorrhoids, is another procedure that colorectal surgeons commonly perform. This is usually performed when other hemorrhoid treatments, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications, have failed.
Colorectal surgeons can also help patients with conditions such as anal fistula, rectum prolapse and hernia repair. They can also prevent recurrence of rectal cancer by performing a variety of surgical procedures, including radical resection with or without adjuvant therapy, and colostomy.
A colorectal surgeon can also use a technique known as sphincterotomy to correct anal fissures, which are small tears in the rectum lining. During this procedure, a surgeon uses a special tool to sew up the openings in the rectum.
To become a colorectal surgeon, doctors must first complete 5 years of general surgery residency after medical school. After that, they undergo an additional year of specialty surgical training to learn the skills necessary to treat diseases and conditions involving the colon, rectum and anus. Many of these physicians are board certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. This demonstrates that they have completed education, residency and state licensure, and are dedicated to continuing medical education and patient care.
Recovery
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may spend one to several days in the hospital. Your care team will monitor you closely for any complications. You’ll be given pain medication as needed.
Your surgeon may recommend a specific diet for you during recovery. You’ll start with clear liquids and gradually add soft foods as you get stronger. Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes to improve your digestive health, such as adding fiber and vitamins to your diet.
In the past, colorectal surgery often involved large incisions, but modern colorectal surgeons perform most procedures with minimally invasive techniques. These procedures allow you to recover faster with less pain and discomfort.
Colonoscopy
This procedure involves inserting a small tube with a camera into your colon. It allows your surgeon to visualize the colon’s structure and check for any blockages or inflammation.
A sigmoidoscopy is a similar procedure that allows your surgeon to view the inside of the intestines. Your doctor will use this information to diagnose or treat any issues you have.
Laparoscopic colon surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Your surgeon will make a few small incisions, then insert a thin surgical instrument called a laparoscope and a camera lens. The camera is inserted through the incisions, and the surgeon controls the surgery from a console outside of your body.
You may have additional tubes inserted into your body for drainage or support. The surgeon may use a catheter for draining urine, or a tube in your abdomen to drain fluid around the surgical site.
After your surgery, you’ll have several follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Your doctor will assess your progress and determine if you need to continue your treatment with the help of other specialists.
You should always talk to your colorectal surgeon if you have questions about your recovery or the procedure. Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on preparing for your procedure and what to expect during recovery. You should follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.