What are Colorectal Surgeries?

Colorectal surgeries are a group of surgical procedures involving rectum, anus and colon. Colectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, strictureplasty, polypectomy, and anoplasty are some of the colorectal surgeries.

Why does a patient need Colorectal Surgeries?

Colorectal surgeries are recommended as treatment for disorders involving rectum, anus and colon. Some of the conditions for which these procedures are recommended include:

• Varicosities or swelling
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Fistulas
• Severe constipation
• Fecal incontinence
• Rectal prolapse
• Imperforate anus
• Crohn’s disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Displaced rectal area
• Anal cancer
• Injuries to anus

What are the different types of Colorectal Surgeries?

Some of the colorectal surgeries are:
Colectomy: For patients suffering from colon cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, typhlitis, bowel infarction, ulcerative colitis and IBD, a colectomy is recommended. Colectomy is a surgical procedure for bowel resection. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove a part or complete colon. In extreme cases, a proctocolectomy is performed to remove the rectum also. This surgery can be performed using a laparoscope.

Hemorrhoidectomy: A hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove internal or external hemorrhoids. When the patient is suffering from symptomatic grade III, grade IV hemorrhoids, strangulated internal hemorrhoids, and thrombosed external hemorrhoids, he is advised to go through this surgical procedure.

Strictureplasty: This is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate bowel narrowing due to scar tissue. Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease may need to undergo this surgery if they develop a scar tissue in the intestinal wall. This surgery restores of free flow without having to perform bowel resection.

Polypectomy: Colonic polypectomy is a surgical procedure where the polyps are removed before they turn cancerous. This procedure can be done with an endoscope or laparoscope.

Anoplasty: Anoplasty is performed to restore normal function to the anus. The procedure involves dividing the stricture and widening the anal canal.