General Surgeon
Colon and rectal surgery
Cardiovascular consultation is the most important aspect of medical treatment. It is an opportunity for patients to discuss about their cardiac problems, current complaints, understand the risks and complications, and to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
Specialists:
Colorectal surgeons are specialists in their field, focusing on the physiology of the lower digestive tract. The term “colorectal” is a combination of the words colon and rectal. This area of the body includes the colon, rectum, pelvic floor, and anus often referred to as the small intestine.
Why do you need to see them?
There are hundreds of conditions that can affect your lower digestive tract. After you share your concerns with your primary care physician, they may refer you to a colorectal surgeon for an official diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, you and your surgeon will be able to assess your treatment options.
The most common reasons to seek the care of a colorectal surgeon include:
Cancer
This is the growth of abnormal cells in the colon, rectum, or anus, which may negatively impact your ability to digest food or produce a bowel movement. When left untreated, cancer can spread to other areas of the body.
Diverticulitis
This inflammatory condition, which affects the colon, is a type of diverticular disease — a common condition in which small sacs or bulges called “diverticula” form within the large intestine, on its walls. Diverticulitis is when one of these sacs or bulges is perforated, or torn. Complications from a diverticulitis attack can be serious, including bleeding and infection. Sometimes, you’ll only need medicine to recover, but some cases may require surgery.
Ulcerative Colitis
An inflammatory disease that affects the rectum and colon, ulcerative colitis is usually treated medically. This condition can come and go, but if medical management isn’t sufficient, you may need surgery.
Crohn’s Disease
Primarily described as an inflammatory disorder, Crohn’s disease can decrease your body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste.
Hemorrhoids
This condition is very common following strenuous activity or pregnancy and birth. Blood vessels may swell and protrude through sensitive skin, appearing as a blood clot either inside or outside the anus.
Fecal Incontinence
This condition may have any number of contributing factors, all of which lead to an inability to control the passing of gas or bowel movements. Similar to constipation, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.
What do they do?
Even though colorectal conditions can seem mysterious, the treatment options are easy to understand. A colorectal surgeon can help by:
- Conducting tests to learn more about your condition(s)
- Advising you on diet changes that may have a positive impact on your symptoms
- Prescribing medication or treatment to alleviate your symptoms
- Performing surgery to repair damage to your lower digestive tract
Common colorectal procedures include:
Colonoscopy
This procedure is most often performed as a way for the surgeon to investigate the physical function of your small intestine for diagnosis and treatment.
Bowel Obstruction Repair
In some cases, an obstruction in the bowels can cause symptoms, requiring surgery for removal. If a blockage has caused any damage, it would be repaired during the surgery.
Hemorrhoid Removal
While some hemorrhoids will disappear over time on their own, some do need surgical removal. This can take care of hemorrhoids that are too large or painful so they won’t cause further damage.
It is important to keep in mind that many medical professionals may treat and diagnose conditions affecting your lower digestive tract. However, colorectal surgeons have chosen this specialty and have a more in-depth knowledge of how to diagnose and treat your conditions.
Physician consultation is a good opportunity and you should be prepared for it.
- Carry all necessary medical records for the discussion. It helps in better understanding your heart condition and avoids repetition of diagnostic tests.
- Make sure you discuss your past medical history, surgical history, family history, and medications that you are taking.
- Discuss about your lifestyle habits, dietary habits and also about your profession. Your lifestyle and nature of job may be associated with the risk for cardiac diseases.