You may be experiencing stomach problems, difficulty in defecating, or blood in your stool. At times like these, we usually visit our family doctor (GP). Sometimes he or she may refer you to a specialist in bowel diseases. That's where we are going to talk about a specialist surgeon who is highly knowledgeable in this field. That is the colorectal surgeon.
Simply put, who is this Colorectal Surgeon?
A colorectal surgeon is a doctor who specializes in surgically treating conditions related to our large intestine. The large intestine includes our colon, rectum, and anus.
In the past, these types of specialists were called proctologists. You may have heard that name. However, the more accurate and commonly used term today is colorectal surgeon. The reason for this is that the word "proctologist" refers to someone who focuses only on the anus and its surrounding areas. However, the word "colorectal" covers the colon and the rectum, the largest part of our large intestine. However, both specialists treat the same parts of the body.
Why are you being referred to a colorectal surgeon?
If you have symptoms related to the lower part of your digestive system, the large intestine, you will first see a general practitioner (GP) or a gastroenterologist. If that doctor examines you and thinks your condition may require surgery , they will refer you to a colorectal surgeon.
Simply put, these specialists treat complex intestinal conditions that are difficult to treat with medication alone and may require surgery.
Below are some of the main medical conditions that often require surgery.
| Disease status category | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer and Polyposis | To remove cancers and small growths (polyps) that can become cancerous in the colon and rectum. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | To remove parts of the intestine when it is damaged by conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis . |
| Decreased blood supply (Ischemia) | To remove a section of the intestine when blood flow to it stops and that section becomes dysfunctional. |
| Structural Defects | To surgically correct conditions such as fistulas (the formation of a tube from the intestine to another organ), hernias, and rectal prolapse. |
Do these doctors only treat the colon?
No. Although colorectal surgeons specialize in the large intestine, they are also trained as general surgeons . Also, because each organ in our body is interconnected, a problem in the large intestine can affect other organs nearby. Therefore, these doctors sometimes treat diseases related to the following organs:
- Small intestine
- Pelvic floor muscles
- Urinary system
- Female reproductive system
What tests and surgeries does a colorectal surgeon perform?
These specialists use a variety of techniques and surgical procedures to diagnose and treat diseases. This means they have all the tools they need to provide the best treatment for your condition. They perform a wide range of treatments, from non-invasive endoscopy to minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery.
Commonly used techniques
| Technical method | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Colonoscopy | A flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted through the anus to examine the entire large intestine. Minor procedures such as removing small growths (polyps) can be done during this time. |
| Sigmoidoscopy | Examining only the last part of the large intestine (sigmoid colon and rectum). |
| Laparoscopy | Examination of the abdominal organs by inserting a camera (laparoscope) through a small incision in the abdomen. |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | Surgery performed through several small incisions in the abdomen, with the help of a camera. Also called "keyhole surgery." |
| Robotic Surgery | Laparoscopic surgery is performed using a robotic arm controlled by the surgeon. This provides greater precision. |
The main surgeries and treatments they perform
- Polypectomy: Removal of small growths (polyps) in the colon during an endoscopy.
- Bowel Resection Surgery: Removal of a diseased or cancerous part of the bowel.
- Ostomy Surgery: A pouch (Colostomy or Ileostomy) is created by connecting the intestine to the skin surface of the abdomen for stool passage.
- Appendectomy: Surgery to remove the appendix for appendicitis.
- Hernia Repair: Surgical repair of herniated conditions in the intestine.
- Rectopexy: Repairing a prolapsed rectum.
- Treatment for Hemorrhoids, Fistulas, and Anal Fissures: Surgical treatment of conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fistulas.
What conditions do colorectal surgeons treat?
The range of diseases treated by these specialists is very wide. They can be divided into several main categories.
1. Colorectal Cancers
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Appendix cancer
2. Polyps and Inherited Syndromes
Small growths (polyps) that form in the colon and certain hereditary conditions that increase the risk of cancer (e.g. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - FAP, Lynch syndrome).
3. Complicated Colitis
- Diverticulitis - Infection of the small pouches in the intestines.
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's disease
- Appendicitis
4. Benign Anorectal Conditions
- Hemorrhoids: This is a very common condition.
- Anal Fissures: Cracks in the anus.
- Anal fistula: An abnormal duct that opens into the skin near the anus.
- Perianal abscess.
5. Functional Disorders
- Obstructed defecation.
- Inability to control stool (Fecal incontinence).
- Pelvic floor dysfunction.
As you can see, this field is vast. These specialists are able to treat a wide range of conditions, from simple hemorrhoids to life-threatening cancer.
If you have any discomfort, pain, or unusual changes in your bowel movements (especially blood), never ignore it. First, see your family doctor. If necessary, he or she will refer you to the right specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon.
Take-Home Message
- A Colorectal Surgeon is a highly trained specialist who treats diseases of the large intestine, rectum, and anus.
- You are usually referred to this type of specialist by your family doctor or another specialist.
- They treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer, hemorrhoids, fistulas, and intestinal inflammation.
- They perform a wide range of treatments, from non-surgical tests such as colonoscopy to highly complex surgeries.
- If you have symptoms such as blood in your stool, prolonged stomach pain, or a change in bowel habits, it is very important to see a doctor without wasting time .
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