In the lowermost part of the digestive tract, just before the anus, lies the colon followed by the rectum. These two parts of the large bowel may get diseased due to one reason or the other. Generally, the colorectal region can become dysfunctional as a result of physical trauma, infection, tumours and congenital disorders. While a few may be treated by medication, most conditions need an operation to correct. These are some of principles on colon and rectal surgery Long Island residents may find interesting.
Hemorrhoids (or piles) are one of the typical conditions affecting the rectum. They typically occur when blood vessels found in this region get overly engorged to a point that they cause discomfort to the affected individual. The exact cause is still unknown but it has been shown that they are more likely to occur in people who strain when opening bowels, pregnant women and people who engage in anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are primarily treated using conservative methods. One is encouraged to enrich their foods with high fibre content. In addition, individuals are advised to stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. Daily saline baths are great in enabling quick healing of hemorrhoids. Pain and inflammation can be management using analgesics or use of ice packs. However, if conservative treatment fails or if the hemorrhoids are too advanced, surgery is the main option.
Removal of hemorrhoids can be done on an outpatient basis without any need for general anesthesia. One option is to use a rubber band by tying around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply and the swelling shrivels with time.
Alternatively, the doctor can use sclerotherapy where a chemical is infused into the swollen vessel to reduce it in size. Coagulation is another way to stop bleeding whereby techniques such as laser are used to cause shriveling of the swellings. Even though these minor procedures are cheaper and more convenient, the risk of recurrence is higher.
Hemorrhoid surgery, also called hemorrhoidectomy is indicated when the swellings are too large or if the other options fail. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, although local and regional forms can be considered. The advantage of surgical removal is that it reduces the chances of recurrence to almost zero. Unfortunately, it has more complications including urine incontinence and infections of the urinary tract.
Colorectal cancer is another typical condition that may require colorectal surgery. It is usually an old age disease but can affect youngsters with a positive family history. Smoking, obesity and polyps also increase the chance of cancer. Cancer limited to the colon and rectum can be cured by removal of the diseased part and joining the normal ends together. This is medically referred to as resection and anastomosis. In some unfortunate cases, the cancer may have spread to involve the anal sphincters which control stool passage. These have to be removed during the surgery to prevent further spread and recurrence. The patient will have to live with a bag that empties stool through an opening made in the abdomen (colosmtomy bag).
It is important that the doctor informs the patient about the risks related to the surgery is key in helping them to make a decision. More often than not, surgery is done under general anesthesia. This puts the patient at an additional danger of aspirating stomach contents into the lungs. Care needs to be taken when performing the surgery to avoid damage to surrounding structures. At the end of the day, the benefits should be weighed against the risks and an appropriate decision made.
Hemorrhoids (or piles) are one of the typical conditions affecting the rectum. They typically occur when blood vessels found in this region get overly engorged to a point that they cause discomfort to the affected individual. The exact cause is still unknown but it has been shown that they are more likely to occur in people who strain when opening bowels, pregnant women and people who engage in anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are primarily treated using conservative methods. One is encouraged to enrich their foods with high fibre content. In addition, individuals are advised to stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. Daily saline baths are great in enabling quick healing of hemorrhoids. Pain and inflammation can be management using analgesics or use of ice packs. However, if conservative treatment fails or if the hemorrhoids are too advanced, surgery is the main option.
Removal of hemorrhoids can be done on an outpatient basis without any need for general anesthesia. One option is to use a rubber band by tying around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply and the swelling shrivels with time.
Alternatively, the doctor can use sclerotherapy where a chemical is infused into the swollen vessel to reduce it in size. Coagulation is another way to stop bleeding whereby techniques such as laser are used to cause shriveling of the swellings. Even though these minor procedures are cheaper and more convenient, the risk of recurrence is higher.
Hemorrhoid surgery, also called hemorrhoidectomy is indicated when the swellings are too large or if the other options fail. The surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia, although local and regional forms can be considered. The advantage of surgical removal is that it reduces the chances of recurrence to almost zero. Unfortunately, it has more complications including urine incontinence and infections of the urinary tract.
Colorectal cancer is another typical condition that may require colorectal surgery. It is usually an old age disease but can affect youngsters with a positive family history. Smoking, obesity and polyps also increase the chance of cancer. Cancer limited to the colon and rectum can be cured by removal of the diseased part and joining the normal ends together. This is medically referred to as resection and anastomosis. In some unfortunate cases, the cancer may have spread to involve the anal sphincters which control stool passage. These have to be removed during the surgery to prevent further spread and recurrence. The patient will have to live with a bag that empties stool through an opening made in the abdomen (colosmtomy bag).
It is important that the doctor informs the patient about the risks related to the surgery is key in helping them to make a decision. More often than not, surgery is done under general anesthesia. This puts the patient at an additional danger of aspirating stomach contents into the lungs. Care needs to be taken when performing the surgery to avoid damage to surrounding structures. At the end of the day, the benefits should be weighed against the risks and an appropriate decision made.
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