As a colorectal surgeon, your practice covers a wide spectrum of the lower digestive tract, including the colon, rectum, and anus. Below is a concise overview of the primary operations performed in this specialty, ranging from abdominal resections to specialized anorectal procedures.

1. Abdominal & Colorectal Resections

These procedures involve removing diseased portions of the colon or rectum to treat conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Colectomy (Bowel Resection): Removal of part or all of the colon.
  • Hemicolectomy: Removal of either the right or left side of the colon.
  • Sigmoidectomy: Specifically targets the sigmoid colon, the section closest to the rectum.
• Proctectomy: Removal of all or part of the rectum.
• Low Anterior Resection (LAR): A critical procedure for rectal cancer that removes the lower rectum while preserving the anal sphincter to maintain normal bowel function.
• Abdominoperineal Resection (APR): Used for low rectal or anal cancers, involving the removal of the anus and rectum, typically requiring a permanent colostomy.

2. Specialized Anorectal Procedures

Focused on the anus and perianal area, these surgeries address common but often debilitating conditions.

• Hemorrhoidectomy: The surgical excision of severe or extensive hemorrhoids.
• Fistulotomy: The most common surgery for anal fistulas, involving opening and cleaning the fistula tract to promote healing.
• Internal Sphincterotomy: A precise cut in the internal sphincter muscle to treat chronic anal fissures.
• Rectopexy: Surgical repair to secure a prolapsed rectum back into its proper anatomical position.

Modern Surgical Approaches

Many of these operations are now performed using advanced, less invasive techniques to improve patient outcomes.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: Performed through small incisions using a camera (laparoscope), leading to less pain and faster recovery
• Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM): A minimally invasive approach to remove large rectal polyps through the anus without abdominal incisions.

Bowel Diversion & Stoma Care

In some cases, waste must be diverted through a surgical opening in the abdomen.

• Colostomy: Creating an opening in the large intestine.
• Ileostomy: Creating an opening in the small intestine (ileum).