Common Colon and Rectal Procedures
Anal abscess surgery
An anal abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the anal cavity as a result of an infection, most often an infected anal gland. Surgery is done to drain the infected area.
Anal Fissure Surgery
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the anus, often causing pain. If surgery is required, one or two small snips in the rectal sphincter (the ring-shaped muscle that surrounds the external opening of the rectum) is done to loosen the muscles and widen the anal cavity.
Anal Fistula Surgery
An anal fistula is an abnormal opening between the anal glands and the skin. The fistula can cause bleeding, discharge and can be painful. The type of surgery will depend on the position of the fistula. The most common surgery is a fistulotomy and involves cutting open the whole length of the fistula in order to flush the contents.
Colorectal Polyp Removal
Colorectal polyps are a small cluster of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Physicians often recommend a colonoscopy (a test that allows a physician to view the inner lining of the large intestine) in order to look at the entire colon and remove any polyps they find.
Hemorrhoid Surgery
Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. Surgery to remove hemorrhoids is called a hemorrhoidectomy. During this procedure, the physician makes incisions around the anus to cut away the hemorrhoids. This type of surgery is often an outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day.
Rectal Prolapse Surgery
Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum falls, or prolapses, from its normal anatomical position because of a weakening in the surrounding supporting tissues. Surgery moves the rectum back to its proper place.
Fecal Incontinence Surgery
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control the bowels. Surgery may be an option for this type of incontinence that fails to improve with other treatments. The most common type of surgery is called a Sphincteroplasty. This involves reconnecting the separated ends of a sphincter muscle torn by childbirth or injury.