A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area.
The opening through which waste matter is excreted.
The condition that results from the rupture of diverticuli in the colon.
Pockets in the colon that trap feces, sometimes leading to infection and pain.
Benign, precancerous or cancerous growths.
The rectum connects the lower intestine to the anal canal. Transverse folds in the rectum help keep the waste matter (stool) in place until it is ready to be passed.
An artificial opening made into a hollow organ. Most often used for colon surgery or bariatric surgery.
There are various reasons for a patient to undergo colon surgery including, among others, diverticulitis, polyps and colon cancer.
Colon surgery is performed after various tests and examinations indicate that this is the right approach for treating your symptoms. Prior to surgery, your colon (large intestine) will need to be emptied using strong laxatives and an enema.
A temporary or permanent colostomy may be performed during colon surgery. In either situation, a portion of the colon (large intestine) is removed and a new end is created which results in the rectum and anus being disconnected from the colon. In some cases the rectum and anus remain in the body — in other cases, they are removed.
Next, an opening (stoma) is constructed on the abdomen to allow waste to be eliminated into a pouch. This stoma is made from the remaining colon. This stoma is soft, dark pink and moist. It does not contain any nerve endings, but must be treated gently. Your physician or nurse will provide you with guidance on maintaining your waste collection pouch (colostomy bag).
If this is a temporary colostomy, then the remaining colon can be reattached to the rectal colon and restore function of the rectum at a later date. This is another surgical procedure very similar to the first surgery.