What Do Colorectal Surgeons Specialize In?

Nov 9

A Colon & Rectal Surgeon Specializes In The Treatment Of Bowel & Bladder Problems

A colon and rectal surgeon treats patients with disorders of the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus, as well as liver, urinary tract, and female reproductive system problems connected to the gut. Colorectal surgeons are highly skilled subspecialists who diagnose and treat a variety of problems, including infections, incontinence, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, using a combination of medicinal and surgical approaches.

In most cases, a colorectal surgeon:

Examines a patient's medical history and instructs them on how to maintain intestinal health and avoid sickness
Examines the patient's vital signs and blood pressure
Prescribes drugs and orders and analyzes lab and imaging testing
Diagnoses and treats illnesses of the intestines and rectum, as well as pelvic floor abnormalities and incontinence, in both acute and chronic forms
In the office, clinic, outpatient surgical center, and hospital, direct care for intestine and related disorders is provided
Colon polyps and cancer are among the conditions that may be screened for, treated for, and monitored
Colonoscopy and bowel blockage repair are examples of treatments and surgery performed to identify and treat intestinal disorders
Provides optimal treatment in collaboration with your primary care physician, as well as other specialists and members of your healthcare team

Proctologist, colorectal surgeon, colon specialist, and colon surgeon are all terms that are used to describe colon and rectal surgeons.

Who Is A Candidate For A Colon & Rectal Surgeon's Services?

Your primary care physician can look after your overall digestive health as well as treat specific disorders like moderate hemorrhoids and periodic constipation or diarrhea. When a primary care physician or another specialist discovers or suspects a more complicated disease, such as colon polyps or incontinence, many patients seek the services of a colorectal surgeon for the first time. Patients with symptoms that may suggest a dangerous illness are also referred to colorectal surgeons for additional assessment. Rectal bleeding, for example, or unexplained, persistent constipation or diarrhea might be signs of colon cancer or intestinal blockage.

The best method to limit the chance of lasting damage, incapacity, and other issues is to see a colorectal surgeon for early treatment or preventative therapy before major intestine problems emerge.

When Should A Colon & Rectal Surgeon Be Consulted?

If you experience any of the signs or conditions listed below, you should consult a colorectal surgeon.

Abscess or boil in the anal or groin region
Incontinence of the bowels or bladder
Rectal bleeding or tarry black stools
Itching or burning around the anus are unexplained
Diarrhea or constipation that is unexplained or persists
Stomach, rectal, or anal discomfort that is unexplained or severe

In the following instances, you should seek treatment from a colon and rectal surgeon:

You have ulcerative colitis or rectal prolapse, or any digestive, urinary, or female reproductive system ailment or disease that needs continual monitoring and specialist care
Specialized gut tests or procedures, such as a colonoscopy, are required
A issue, such as blood in your stool or an abdominal tumor, is discovered by your primary care doctor and requires additional assessment

Find an experienced, board-certified colon and rectal surgeon if you require expertise in the digestive system, urinary tract, and female reproductive system.

A Colon & Rectal Surgeon Deals With A Variety Of Issues

A colorectal surgeon deals with problems with the intestines, as well as the urinary tract and the female reproductive system. The following are some of the illnesses they treat:

Polyps, which are precancerous lumps, can cause colon and rectal cancer
Diverticulosis is a condition in which the colon wall develops pockets (diverticulae)
Fissures in the anus
Hemorrhoids are bulging veins in the rectum and anus, which cause pain and discomfort
Abscesses, fistulas, and anal warts are infections that affect the anus and rectum.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Prolapse of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder and the rectal organs, is a common occurrence
Incontinence, persistent constipation or diarrhea, and urine retention are examples of urination and bowel movement issues

What Kinds Of Things Do Colon & Rectal Surgeons Look For?

A colorectal surgeon can prescribe or execute a range of diagnostic and screening tests for diseases involving the intestines and digestive organs, as well as the urinary and female reproductive systems and general health concerns. These tests are also interpreted by them, and they include:

To detect abnormal regions in the colon, a barium enema (lower GI series of X-rays) is performed
Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are procedures that are used to look at the lower part of the colon (sigmoidoscopy) or the whole colon (colonoscopy) (colonoscopy)
Feel the anus and rectum for abnormalities, and check for blood in the stool using a digital rectal examination
Complete blood count (CBC), blood clotting tests, blood culture, urinalysis, chest and abdomen X-ray, blood glucose (sugar) test, electrolyte tests, liver and kidney function tests, and blood pressure screening are some of the general health and screening tests available
A small, illuminated tube called a proctoscope is used to inspect the rectum
Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used in a virtual colonoscopy to check for intestinal abnormalities (MRI)

A Colon & Rectal Surgeon Does Which Surgeries & Treatments?

Colorectal surgeons offer the following medical treatments, procedures, and surgeries:

To remove the obstruction and heal the colon, you'll need to undergo bowel obstruction surgery
Colectomy (colon resection) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the colon
Colonoscopy with polypectomy to evaluate and remove precancerous growths throughout the colon (polyps)
A colostomy is a surgical procedure that allows feces to move from the large intestine to the abdomen
Abscesses, such as perianal and pilonidal abscesses, are surgically incised and drained
Large, bleeding, or painful hemorrhoids may require removal and additional treatments
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are examples of medications
Pelvic laparoscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of colon, urinary tract, and female reproductive system issues

Certification & Training In Colon & Rectal Surgery

You may be referred to a colon and rectal surgeon for specialized therapy or surgery by your primary care physician or another specialist. Choose a surgeon who is board qualified in colon and rectal surgery, regardless of whether you receive a referral or not. A doctor's level of knowledge is enhanced by board certification. It confirms that the doctor has finished resident training in the speciality and has met all of the necessary qualifications.

Eligible MDs and DOs who have completed specialized training in colon and rectal surgery are certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS). Certification in general surgery is required by the Board (from the American Board of Surgery).

A doctor must complete an ongoing certification program to keep his or her board certification in colon and rectal surgery.

Keep in mind that a doctor does not need to be board certified in colon and rectal surgery to execute it. Many types of colon and rectum surgeries are performed by general surgeons and surgical oncologists, for example. Additionally, colon and rectal surgery is a specialty of surgeons qualified by the American Osteopathic Board of Proctology. The phrase "colon and rectal surgeon" is used by the majority of these professionals instead of "proctologist."

Consult your doctor to determine which sort of expert might be most beneficial to you. It is possible that it will be determined by the complexity of the procedure required. Inquire about a colon and rectal surgeon's training and experience with the therapy you require when choosing one. Consider the surgeon's hospital's surgical treatment quality.