Colorectal surgery

branch of medicine dealing with the structure and diseases of the anus, rectum, and sigmoid colon

Colorectal surgery is a type of medicine that deals with problems of the rectum, anus, and colon.[1] Doctors who work in this field are called colorectal surgeons or proctologists.

Diagram of the rectum and anus

Scope of the specialty

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Colorectal surgical disorders include:

Surgical treatment and diagnostic procedures

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The gross pathology of a tubulovillous adenoma resected by minimally invasive colorectal surgery shows a dark red and pinned down

Surgical treatments for these conditions include removing part of the colon (colectomy), creating an opening in the colon or small intestine (ileo/colostomy), removing polyps (polypectomy), widening narrow areas in the intestines (strictureplasty), and removing hemorrhoids in severe cases (hemorrhoidectomy). Other operations include minimally invasive surgery, surgery of the anus-anoplasty-and more, depending on the need of the patient. Tests like a colonoscopy are very important for colorectal surgery because they help the doctor understand the condition and decide on the right surgery. Colorectal doctors conduct other tests which include proctoscopy, defecating proctography, and sigmoidoscopy. Now, the ratio of laparoscopic surgery is gaining more because of its lesser risks, quicker recoveries, and cuts due to special instruments used in this method.[3]

Mechanical bowel preparation

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Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is a process where the bowel is cleared of stool before surgery. This is usually done using sodium phosphate.[4] But there is little evidence in medical research to show that it is necessary or helpful.[5]

References

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  1. "FREIDA Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency and Fellowship Listing". FREIDA Residency Program Database. 17 June 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  2. Cleveland Clinic medical professional (20 March 2017). "Gastrointestinal Diseases: Symptoms, Treatment & Causes". Cleveland Clinic. Archived from the original on 9 December 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  3. "What is minimally invasive surgery?". Colorectal Cancer Alliance. 12 November 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  4. Zmora, Oded; Pikarsky, Alon J.; Wexner, Steven D. (2001). "Bowel preparation for colorectal surgery". Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 44 (10). Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health): 1537–1549. doi:10.1007/bf02234614. ISSN 0012-3706. PMID 11598488.
  5. McCoubrey, Alison S (2007). "The use of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery". The Ulster Medical Journal. 76 (3). Ulster Medical Society: 127–130. PMC 2075581. PMID 17853636.