Colorectal surgeons treat conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus. They perform hundreds of surgeries annually and participate in national and international research to improve patient surgical outcomes.
For example, if you have rectal prolapse, your surgeon can repair the tunnel with a minimally invasive procedure. They may also perform a J-pouch surgery to avoid the need for a colostomy and waste bag, restoring normal bowel function. Contact Copper Mountain Surgical now!
A colorectal surgeon specializes in medical concerns related to the lower portion of the digestive tract, including the colon and rectum. They can perform surgery, conduct minimally invasive procedures, and help patients manage their condition. Your physician is your ultimate source of information about whether a specific method is right for you. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor’s style, or if they are dismissive of your concerns, you may seek a second opinion.
A gastroenterologist, primary care physician, or oncologist can refer you to a colorectal surgeon. These specialized medical professionals, also known as proctologists, receive advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the colon and rectum.
They can diagnose problems such as inflamed blood vessels in the anal canal called hemorrhoids, which are small bumps that resemble boils and can cause pain or bleeding. They can treat anal fissures, which are abnormal openings in the anal crease or pelvic floor, and can remove polyps, which are precancerous growths in the colon. They can also perform a procedure called a colonoscopy, which uses a long, flexible tube with a camera attached to inspect the colon and rectum. They can then pass surgical tools through the tube to remove tissue samples or to remove polyps.
Colorectal surgeons can also treat incontinence, which is losing control of bowel movements or stool. They can also relieve anal itching and can repair a hernia in the rectal area. They can also treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, by managing symptoms with medication or by performing operations such as a colectomy.
They can also manage cancers of the colon and rectum, but their treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is in an early stage, it can be treated by removing a section of the colon and possibly performing chemotherapy or radiation afterwards. If the cancer is more advanced, they might remove the entire colon and remove nearby lymph nodes to ensure there are no remaining tumors, then treat the surrounding tissue with medications or other surgeries.
Treatment
If a disease of the colon, rectum or anus is diagnosed, the colorectal surgeon has many treatment options available. These treatments can range from lifestyle changes to surgery. The most effective treatments are those that address the underlying cause of the disease. For example, for a patient with Crohn’s disease, the surgeon may remove the affected portion of the colon to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
In some cases, a small growth in the lining of the colon is caused by an abnormal buildup of tissue called a polyp. A colorectal surgeon can remove the polyp with a procedure called a colonoscopy. The surgeon can also use this procedure to look for signs of cancer in the colon, such as changes to the lining and blood in the stool.
When cancer is found, more-extensive surgery may be needed to remove the entire colon. This is known as a segmental colectomy and is most often done when the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or the liver. If the cancer has spread this far, it may not be possible to reconnect the bowels, and instead, the surgeon will create an opening in the abdomen, which is connected to a bag that collects waste (called a colostomy or ileostomy).
Other conditions the colorectal surgeon can treat include inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. These conditions can also be treated with medications, but if the symptoms do not respond to medication, surgery may be needed to remove the affected portions of the colon and rectum.
Most colorectal surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques. These methods involve fewer incisions, which results in less pain and a faster recovery time. In some cases, the surgeon may even be able to use robotic surgery, which uses a long tool with a camera attached to a console in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to perform the procedure with enhanced dexterity and precision. If the patient requires anesthesia, the surgeon will administer this under a general anesthetic before taking the person to surgery.
Surgery
Colorectal surgeons can perform a number of surgical procedures. Some are done through the abdomen, while others involve only the colon or rectal area. They may also perform reconstructive surgery to replace a portion of the colon or anal fistulas.
For some tumors and polyps, colorectal surgeons use a tool called a snare to remove them from the colon without making an incision. This type of surgery is usually performed as part of a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
A snare is a wire formed like a lasso, which is tightened around the tumor. During endoscopic procedures, surgeons also use tools called endoscopes and lasers to remove lesions or destroy cancer cells.
If the snare or laser treatment isn’t enough, your doctor might recommend surgery to treat the condition. Surgery for cancer is generally more extensive than less-invasive treatments. It can include the removal of a portion of the colon or rectum, as well as nearby lymph nodes. Your surgeon can also create an opening in the abdominal wall (an ostomy) to let stool leave your body. Often, this is only for a short time while the colon or rectum heals, but sometimes it’s permanent.
Other types of surgery include a bowel resection, which can be used to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and benign tumors and polyps in the small intestine or large intestine. The procedure can be either laparoscopic or open, depending on your condition.
Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and tiny tools passed through a tube (proctoscope) placed in the anus, which avoids painful abdominal incisions and other damage to the colon. Mass General surgeons are among the first in the United States to use a new minimally invasive technique called transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). This procedure allows them to remove some stage 1 rectal tumors and polyps that are too high up in the rectum, as well as some early-stage rectal cancers and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Other types of surgery include a complete colectomy, in which your surgeon removes the entire colon. This isn’t needed unless it’s the only option to cure your illness, and it’s often used to treat people with familial adenomatous polyposis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Recovery
The recovery from colorectal surgery varies depending on the type of surgical procedure. Your surgeon will discuss your options for recovery at your initial consultation. Some colon and rectal surgeries require a hospital stay, while others are performed as an outpatient.
Minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopy, usually require a shorter recovery time. You can return home within a few days to a week after the procedure. Some of the symptoms that you may experience during your recovery include pain, fatigue and a change in your bowel habits. These changes should improve as you recover.
You will likely be on a liquid or soft diet following your procedure and will gradually transition to a regular diet as you heal. The members of your care team can offer guidance on diet, including dietary supplements. It is also important to get up and move around often, which can help prevent blood clots, improve bowel function and reduce the risk of infection.
After your surgery, you will need to take medication to manage any pain. Your doctor will give you a pathway with goals for your recovery, and our nurse navigator can help you understand the goals. Prior to your surgery, you will need to complete a bowel prep, which includes an enema and a special drink that cleans out the colon.
During the hospital stay, you will receive antibiotics and fluids to prevent infection. The bowels can become irritated, so the medical team will provide you with soothing treatments for any pain or discomfort.
Your surgeon will remove any polyps that have been found during the surgery. Polyps are abnormal growths that can lead to cancer if they remain in the colon or rectum. In some cases, your doctor may recommend polypectomy if your biopsy results indicate that you have a high risk of cancer.
Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to go home. You may need to limit your activity level while you recover, and you should not climb stairs or lift heavy objects until your doctor says it’s OK. Follow up with your doctor for a follow-up visit to make sure your surgery was successful and you are healing properly.