Colorectal Surgeon: Surgeries Performed

Colorectal Surgery & Other Procedures

Colorectal surgery is a field in medicine, dealing with disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. Proctologist (sometimes misspelled as protologist) is an outdated term and not often used anymore and is encompassed by the term: colorectal. Colorectal surgeons often work closely with urologists, as urologists manage the urinary system and male reproductive system.

Definition: What is “colorectal”?

Colorectal is anything to do with the digestive system from the colon downward (colon, rectum and anus). Abnormal conditions in any of this anatomical region will be treated by a colorectal specialist.

When do you need to see a colorectal surgeon?

You may first hear about seeing a colorectal surgeon from your primary care physician, as they may be the first ones to help you identify the condition you have and identify a treatment option.

Reasons to see a colorectal surgeon may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • You have been diagnosed with cancer of the colon
  • You need a routine colonoscopy
  • You have been diagnosed with polyps in your colon
  • You have chronic issues with hemorrhoids
  • You have an anal fissure
  • You have a fistula (anal, rectovaginal, vesicovaginal)
  • You have had many issues with normal stool and bowel movements

Procedures, Operations and Surgeries

Below is a list of surgeries, in alphabetical order, performed by a colorectal surgeon.

Anal Fissure

  • A anal fissure (or anal ulcer) is a tear or open sore in the anus. Usually it develops due to the passing of very large or hard stools, or other trauma to the area. Anal fissures can heal on their own, aided by using stool softeners, increasing dietary fiber, and the use of creams.

Anal Fistula Repair

  • A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs. In this case, an infected tunnel is developed between the anus and the skin of the buttocks. This type of fistula can be caused as a result of an infection in an anal gland. Anal fistulas will need to be repaired surgically, and treated carefully as there is a huge risk of infection.

Anoplasty

  • Anoplasty is the treatment for anal stenosis–a narrowing or tightening of the anal canal and/or opening. Anal stenosis is an uncommon complication of anal surgeries. Another reason for anoplasty may be an imperforate, or closed, anus. (Sometimes infants are born with this and it needs to be surgically corrected.)

Colonoscopy

  • A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a medical professional to view the inside of the colon. It is commonly used in screening for colon cancer.

It is recommended that all adults have an initial routine colonoscopy screening at the age of 50.

Colostomy

  • A colostomy procedure is the surgical re-sectioning of the large intestine, bringing it to the surface of the skin on the abdomen through an incision and making a stoma (opening in the skin). Feces is worked out of the stoma and into a colostomy bag, or pouch.

Hemorrhoid Banding

  • Also known as “Rubber Band Ligation,” this procedure involves tying off hemorrhoids at their base to stop blood flow into the hemorrhoid, eventually causing the hemorrhoid to fall off. This procedure may be considered when other home remedies for hemorrhoids are ineffective.

Hemorrhoidectomy

  • In severe cases of hemorrhoids, a hemorrhoidectomy procedure is performed to cut or remove hemorrhoids and surrounding swollen venous tissues.

Ileostomy

  • An ileostomy procedure is the surgical re-sectioning of part of the small intestine (called the ileum), bringing it to the surface of the skin on the abdomen through an incision and making a stoma (opening in the skin). Feces is worked out of the stoma and into a colostomy bag, or pouch.

Pilonidal Cyst Removal

  • A pilonidal cyst is a sac that contains fluid, hair, other debris that gathers and infects over the tailbone. This type of cyst causes symptoms of redness, swelling, pain, drainage of pus or blood. Most often a pilonidal cyst needs to be removed surgically and drained.

Rectal or Colon Polyp Removal (polypectomy)

  • If a polyp (abnormal collection of tissue) is found during colon or rectal exams, usually during a colonoscopy, they can be removed. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure and can be done at the same time as a colonoscopy.

Rectovaginal Fistula Repair

  • A fistula (abnormal connection between two organs) between the rectum and vagina is cause for concern as it is a huge risk of vaginal, uterine or general pelvic infection. A colorectal surgeon or OB-GYN may perform this type of repair surgery.

Tubal Ligation

  • A tubal ligation or sterilization (salpingectomy) is when one or both of the Fallopian tubes are removed.

Urethral Caruncle Removal

  • In females, a benign tumor like growth (called a caruncle) can grow at the opening of the urethra. These lesions can be surgically removed and are usually biopsied to confirm if they are benign or not.

Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair

  • A vesicovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection or opening between the bladder and the vagina resulting in intermittent depositing of urine into the vagina. Surgical repair of a vesicovaginal fistula is recommended.