Colorectal Surgeon Phoenix specializes in surgical care of conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus. They perform open and laparoscopic procedures to treat these conditions.

Patients undergoing emergency colon cancer resection may benefit from the expertise of a colorectal surgeon. They may avoid the need for a permanent colostomy. They also provide innovative ways of restoring intestinal function such as a pouch-anal anastomosis.

Fistulas are abnormal connections between organs or cavities within the body and external tissues. They can occur in a variety of places, including your digestive tract and genitals. Many types of fistulas occur naturally, but others are created as part of a medical treatment. Some fistulas can be painful, and they often become infected or ulcerated. Fistulas are usually caused by trauma or injury to the area, but they can also be the result of certain illnesses or complications from treatments like radiation therapy.

Symptoms of a perirectal fistula include pain, itching, redness, and swelling. They can also cause leakage and discomfort. Your doctor will diagnose the condition by asking you about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. He or she may feel the affected area (with your permission). Other tests may include blood and urine tests, x-rays, CT scans, and MRI. Your doctor will ask about your past health and family history. This will help them decide whether you need a procedure or if another condition could be to blame for the fistula.

If you have an anal fistula, your doctor will perform a preoperative evaluation to determine your risk of postoperative fecal incontinence. He or she will look at the anatomy of your anal tract and the position of the internal and external sphincters. Patients with complex fistulas have a greater risk of incontinence.

The most common way to treat a fistula is with medical glue. Your doctor will apply a special medical glue to the affected area to close it and prompt healing. If the fistula is infected, he or she will drain it by inserting a drainage tube into the hole. Another option is a surgical plug, which your doctor will put in the fistula to stop the flow of liquid and promote healing. In some cases, your doctor will need to cut into the sphincter muscles of the anus. This can lead to discomfort and a decreased quality of life. You may also need to wear a bag to collect your bowel movements. If the fistula affects your bowel, your doctor will create a stoma in your stomach or small intestine. The stoma can be temporary or permanent.

Rectum prolapse

The rectum prolapse is a condition in which the lower part of the large intestine slips down through an opening in the anus. In most cases, it is not painful. However, it may become a problem if the anal sphincter becomes weak or surgery is needed to repair weakened pelvic muscles. If left untreated, the rectum prolapse may become larger or a serious complication could occur in which the blood supply to the rectal prolapse is cut off (strangulated).

This can be a life-threatening condition. The surgeon can perform surgery to fix the problem and re-stuff the rectum with a surgical splint. The surgeon may also use other methods such as attaching the rectum to the muscle of the pelvic floor or removing a section of the colon.

Before deciding on the type of surgery, the surgeon will review the patient’s medical history and do an anorectal examination. This will include checking for loose tissue in the rectum and measuring how strongly the anal sphincter contracts. Additional tests may be needed, such as a pelvic ultrasound or a barium enema to check for tumours, sores (ulcers) or abnormal narrow areas in the large intestine.

Surgery can be performed with an abdominal incision or laparoscopically. Some patients need to stay in the hospital for 5 to 8 days after an abdominal operation, while others can go home sooner if they have laparoscopic surgery. Patients who undergo perineal surgery may stay in hospital for 2 to 3 days and usually recover in 4 to 6 weeks.

After surgery, the doctor will recommend a high fiber diet and stool softeners to avoid constipation and straining when having a bowel movement. They will also suggest drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and to help the bowel move more easily. A physical therapist may also be recommended to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

It is important to avoid activities that increase pressure in the rectal area, such as heavy lifting and straining during a bowel movement. The doctor will also advise patients to take pain medication as needed and to avoid alcohol, caffeine or other medications that can cause dehydration and constipation.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic illness that can cause severe tummy pain and diarrhoea. It affects the colon and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. There are two main types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is different from irritable bowel syndrome. IBD causes recurrent inflammation of the intestinal wall and can lead to life-threatening complications. It can also cause long periods of time where you feel fine and then a flare up. It’s not clear what causes IBD, but it is thought that it’s a combination of genetics, the immune system, and something in your diet or environment.

There is no cure for IBD, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and shorten the time between flare-ups. Doctors usually prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and help with digestion. They may recommend dietary changes and other supplements to improve your health. They can also use endoscopic tests to check for damage to the intestine. They may also order blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds.

Medical treatment for IBD focuses on stopping abnormal inflammation and giving the colon time to heal. It will also include medications to help with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. Doctors will take a step-by-step approach to medication. They will try the least harmful drugs first. If these don’t work, they will move on to higher doses or stronger drugs.

Some patients may benefit from a bowel resection (bowel surgery). This can be done through an incision in the abdomen or rectum. Doctors will remove the diseased sections of the colon and rectum, then join the healthy section with an anastomosis or internal pouch.

People with IBD should do what they can to stay active and enjoy their lives. They should also eat a well-balanced diet to help keep inflammation under control. They should avoid foods that make their symptoms worse and talk to a dietician about a diet that’s right for them. They can also join a support group and talk to others who have IBD. This can be helpful because they understand what you’re going through and can offer advice on managing your symptoms.

Cancer

Cancers of the lower colon and rectum are among the most common types of cancer, and they often can be prevented with regular screening and early detection. But if you do get colorectal cancer, Yale Medicine colorectal surgeons are here to provide treatment and help you feel better.

There are several different ways to treat colorectal cancer, including surgery and chemotherapy. Yale Medicine doctors will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that’s right for your situation.

If the cancer is in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum (called Stage 0), it’s sometimes possible to remove it with surgery. This is called endoscopic mucosal resection. Your doctor uses a special tool to remove the polyp or cancerous area along with a little of the surrounding tissue. A colonoscopy can also find some early-stage colon cancers, which are smaller than most polyps and usually can’t be felt during a physical exam.

Other cases of colon cancer require more intensive treatment, especially if it has spread to other parts of the body. In these cases, our colorectal surgeons work with world-class hepatologists for liver metastases and thoracic surgeons for lung metastases to ensure you receive the best care in your journey to health.

The most important thing to remember is that a diagnosis of colorectal cancer can frighten and upset you. But it’s important to remember that people who have the disease and survive it can lead full, active lives. You should let your family know what’s going on so they can support you through this difficult time.

Surgery can cure the vast majority of people with colon and rectal cancer. The most common treatment is a colon resection to remove the section of the colon with the tumor and nearby lymph nodes that may be involved. The surgeon will also look at the rest of the colon and rectum to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread there.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it’s often possible to relieve symptoms with chemotherapy and other treatments. But it’s not always possible to cure cancer that has spread, so follow-up care is important. You’ll have regular physical exams and lab tests to check for recurrence of the cancer.