Understanding Common Conditions and the Expertise of Colorectal Surgeons

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

What it Means: Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus. They can cause discomfort, bleeding, and itching.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons provide relief from severe or persistent hemorrhoids through procedures like haemorrhoidectomy or rubber band ligation when conservative treatments don’t suffice.

Anal Fissures

What it Means: Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus, causing pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons offer treatments for chronic or complex anal fissures, including sphincterotomy to relax the anal sphincter muscles.

Anal Fistulas

What it Means: Anal fistulas are abnormal connections or tunnels that form between the anus and the skin or other organs, often resulting from infections.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons perform procedures like fistulotomy or seton placement to treat anal fistulas and promote healing.

Diverticulitis

What it Means: Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the colon wall.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons may intervene when diverticulitis leads to complications like abscesses or bowel obstructions, requiring surgery to remove affected segments of the colon.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

What it Means: IBD includes chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causing inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons collaborate with gastroenterologists to manage severe cases of IBD. Surgical options include bowel resection or the creation of a stoma for temporary or permanent diversion of stool.

Bowel Obstruction (Colonic Obstruction)

What it Means: Bowel obstruction occurs when there’s a blockage in the intestines, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons address colonic obstructions through surgery, removing the obstructed portion of the bowel and reconnecting the healthy segments.

Colonic Polyps

What it Means: Colonic polyps are small growths in the colon lining, which may develop into cancer if left untreated.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons perform colonoscopies and polypectomies to remove polyps, reducing the risk of cancer development.

Rectal Prolapse

What it Means: Rectal prolapse involves the rectum protruding through the anus, causing discomfort and incontinence.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons provide surgical solutions for rectal prolapse, such as rectopexy or resection, to restore normal anatomy.

Colorectal Cancer (Colorectal Carcinoma)

What it Means: Colorectal cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum, often starting as benign polyps and progressing into malignant tumors.

The Surgeon’s Role: Colorectal surgeons are at the forefront of treating colorectal cancer. They perform surgeries to remove tumors, including colectomies and rectal resections, and may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy as part of the treatment plan.