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Colorectal Surgery
Book AppointmentAbout Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal surgery is one of the most common general surgical specialties worldwide. It involves operations on the colon, rectum, and anus, performed to treat conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, polyps, and hemorrhoids. With colorectal cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally, these surgeries are often life-saving and restore digestive health.
This article explains colorectal surgery comprehensively — what colorectal conditions are, symptoms, causes, risks, prevention, diagnosis, surgical procedures, recovery, complications, and long-term outlook.
Overview
The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine responsible for absorbing water and eliminating waste. Common conditions requiring surgery include:
Colorectal cancer – malignant growth in colon or rectum.
Diverticulitis – inflamed pouches in colon wall.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis.
Polyps – precancerous growths.
Hemorrhoids – swollen rectal veins.
Anal fistulas and fissures.
Understanding The Procedure
Symptoms Colorectal Surgery
- ⦾ Blood in stool
- ⦾ Change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
- ⦾ Abdominal pain or bloating
- ⦾ Unexplained weight loss
- ⦾ Fatigue and anemia
- ⦾ Rectal pain or discharge
Risks
- ⦾ Infection at surgical site
- ⦾ Bleeding
- ⦾ Anastomotic leak (leak at reconnection site)
- ⦾ Bowel obstruction due to adhesions
- ⦾ Stoma complications (skin irritation, prolapse)
- ⦾ Recurrence of cancer or disease
Post-Operative Care
- ⦾ 1. Patient given anesthesia.
- ⦾ 2. Incision made (open or laparoscopic).
- ⦾ 3. Diseased colon segment removed.
- ⦾ 4. Healthy ends reconnected (anastomosis).
- ⦾ 5. If reconnection not possible, colostomy created.
- ⦾ 6. Incision closed.
Long Term Outlook
Colorectal surgery is highly effective. Cancer survival rates improve significantly with early surgery. Patients with IBD or diverticulitis experience relief from chronic symptoms. With modern laparoscopic and robotic techniques, recovery is faster and outcomes are excellent.
Colorectal surgery is a vital treatment for serious digestive conditions. It saves lives, restores bowel function, and improves quality of life. With proper diagnosis, surgical expertise, and follow-up care, patients can look forward to long-term health and well-being.
