Colorectal Surgeon Phoenix diagnoses and treats disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. These include cancer, fecal incontinence and hemorrhoids.
Surgery of any kind can be uncomfortable, but pain management techniques have improved. Your doctor will work to keep your discomfort to a minimum. This will allow you to heal and return to your normal life activities.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus and the lower rectum. They may form in or around the anus, or they may protrude from the anus (a condition called a hemorrhoid prolapse). They can be painful and itchy, especially after a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are a common problem that many people experience at one time or another, and they typically resolve with home treatments. However, if they are severe or do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be needed.
A number of factors can cause symptomatic hemorrhoids, including straining during bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, pregnancy, and weakened tissue from repeated irritation. Hemorrhoids are a normal part of the anatomy of the anorectum, and they function to protect the anal sphincter during increased abdominal pressure, aid closure of the anal canal after a bowel movement, and provide sensory information about stool, liquid, and gas.
Symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain or itching after a bowel movement, blood in the stool, and swelling of the rectal area. The doctor can usually diagnose hemorrhoids from a physical exam, but sometimes needs to do other tests. These can include a pelvic exam, blood and urine tests, a rectal examination, and a colonoscopy.
There are a variety of ways to treat hemorrhoids, and the best method depends on the severity and symptoms. Most doctors recommend adding fiber and fluids to the diet, which can help to soften stools, which reduces pressure on hemorrhoids. Some people also use stool softeners and laxatives. If the underlying cause of the hemorrhoids is a problem with the anal sphincter, then surgical intervention may be needed to repair this problem.
The most commonly performed procedure is rubber band ligation, which involves placing a rubber band on the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum to cut off circulation and cause it to shrink and go away. Other office-based procedures include sclerotherapy, in which a chemical solution is injected around the hemorrhoid to shrink it, and electrical coagulation, in which a special device emits an electrical current to burn hemorrhoidal tissue. In rare cases, a surgeon might need to staple a prolapsed hemorrhoid back into place in the anus.
Fistulas
Fistulas are abnormal connections between the skin surrounding the anus and infected glands inside the rectum. They can cause pain, swelling, and discharge from the anus. A Colorectal Surgeon can help treat fistulas.
If you have a fistula, your doctor may want to perform imaging tests such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These will give them an idea of what is happening inside the anus. They might also need to take a sample of the fistula fluid for testing.
A fistula can be cured by surgery to close the anal opening. However, it is important to treat the underlying cause of the fistula as well. This will prevent the fistula from recurring and improve your chances of having normal bowel function in the future.
The goal of treatment is to close the anal fistula and restore bowel function. Fistulas can be caused by problems such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, or gastrostomy tubes.
Surgery to repair a fistula usually involves draining the anal canal and removing the abnormal feces. This will reduce pain and discomfort and make you more comfortable. You may need to undergo several surgeries, depending on the type of fistula you have.
Fistulas that aren’t caused by other conditions can be treated by a colorectal surgeon or urologist. There are different treatments for these fistulas, including injecting fibrin sealant or using an anal fistula plug. Some of these treatments can be done on an outpatient basis.
Other treatments can be more complicated. For example, a sphincter-preserving fistula surgery may involve cutting through the roof of the anal canal. However, these procedures have a high recurrence rate (30%-50% recurrence). They are also associated with impaired continence and sphincter dysfunction.
A newer treatment involves ligating the anal fistula tract. This can be done using a dermal island flap or an endorectal advancement flap. The advantage of this procedure is that it does not cut through the sphincter muscle and avoids sphincter injury. It has been shown to have good short term results and can be used for complex and recurrent anal fistulas.
Rectum prolapse
Having a prolapsed rectum can cause pain, pressure and bulging sensations in the rectal area. It can also lead to other problems, including constipation and fecal incontinence. It’s a common problem, and it usually occurs in older people because of weakening or deterioration of the muscles supporting the tissue. It can be triggered by stress, childbirth or diarrhea and may also be more common in women.
If a person’s prolapse doesn’t improve with self-care, they may need to see a Colorectal Surgeon. The doctor will ask about symptoms and do a physical exam. They will check the prolapsed tissue and how well the anal sphincter is contracting. They may also order tests, such as a colonoscopy or barium enema. These tests will help identify conditions that can cause the prolapse, such as tumors, sores (ulcers) or abnormal narrow areas in the large intestine.
The most common treatment for rectal prolapse is surgery. The surgeon can either repair the prolapsed tissue or remove it, depending on the situation. Surgery can help prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of complications, such as fistulas that develop in the tunnel between the skin and the anus or rectum. These can ooze blood or mucus and create an infection. Surgery can repair the tunnel, preventing future infections and protecting the sphincter muscles, which are needed for normal bowel movements.
Surgery can be done through the belly with a large cut or by laparoscopy, which uses small cuts in the belly. With laparoscopy, the surgeon can use a camera to see what’s wrong. They can then use stitches or mesh to fix the issue.
The surgery is often successful. Most people spend a few days in the hospital and make a full recovery. After surgery, they should avoid straining or heavy lifting and drink lots of water. They should also eat a high-fiber diet and use stool softeners. The doctor may also advise that the patient stop taking medicines that make it harder for the body to clot, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid). These medicines can increase your chance of bleeding after surgery.
Cancer
The cells that line the colon and rectum help absorb water and nutrients and create a protective barrier that restricts entry of harmful substances into the body. These cells are constantly being shed and replaced, and sometimes mistakes in this process lead to the development of abnormal growths called polyps. If left unchecked, these abnormal cells can eventually transform into cancerous tumors.
Depending on its location, a cancer in the colon can spread to nearby organs (locally advanced) or spread throughout the body (metastasized). However, many types of colorectal cancers remain curable when the tumor can be surgically removed with clear margins (called “clearance”). A patient’s chances of recovery increase with the larger the area that can be successfully resected. For that reason, it is important for a colorectal surgeon to be experienced in treating large resections.
A colorectal surgeon is often one of the first physicians to recognize a potential problem in this part of the gastrointestinal tract, and they may be the ones to recommend an initial screening or refer a patient for further evaluation. While a diagnosis of cancer can be frightening for both patients and family members, recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods have allowed a greater number of patients to benefit from treatment.
In addition, improved pain control techniques enable surgeons to avoid narcotics when possible and allow patients to return home as soon as they are able. Nevertheless, discomfort after surgery will likely continue for some time as the patient’s body heals and adjusts. Stool frequency and consistency will also change as the digestive tract adjusts, but most people can resume normal activity within a week after a colon or rectal operation.
It is important for patients to understand that a diagnosis of colon cancer can affect the entire family, and it is a good idea to let them know as early as possible. This will give the family an opportunity to discuss treatment options and make decisions that may be difficult to make at a later time. It is also helpful for the family to be informed of the steps that will be taken during care, including any ongoing treatments or follow-up appointments.