Coloproctology refers to the branch of medical science that deals with the pathology of the rectum, colon, anus, and colorectal surgery. According to a recent study, colorectal cancer is the ‘3rd Most Diagnosed Cancer in the World’, and the numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate! Though there has been a gradual decrease in the number of colorectal cancer cases since the mid-1980s, the overall estimate is still around 151,000+ adults who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer even this year. When facing any colorectal complication, it is best to consult your nearest Coloproctologist or a colorectal surgeon. Say if you are a resident of Dallas, consult reputable colorectal surgeons in Dallas, TX. However, the mere thought of undergoing colorectal surgery can flood your mind with numerous questions, which is why we have answered some commonly asked questions about colorectal surgery. Read along.
What is colorectal surgery?
The large intestine comprises the colon (Ascending, Transverse, Descending, and the Sigmoid), the rectum, and the anus. Collectively, these organs are responsible for converting the digested food into stool after the absorption of electrolytes and vitamins. It is about 5 to 6 feet in length and any complications in it can result in interrupting the bowel movement and ultimately digestion itself. Colorectal surgery is done to repair any and all of the following severe complications:
- Damage to the colon, rectum, and anus
- Lower Digestive tract diseases such as Diverticulitis and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
- Cancer of the Colon and the rectum, called Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal surgery includes various procedures such as endoscopic surgery, ileoanal anastomosis, ileostomy, colostomy, and hemorrhoidectomy in case of severe hemorrhoids. All these surgical procedures have a distinctive way of dealing with the damage or disease, which is why you should always consult leading colorectal surgeons in Dallas beforehand to learn all the ins and outs of each procedure.
What are the risks and complications associated with colorectal surgery?
When opting to undergo colorectal surgery in Dallas, TX or anywhere else take account of these probable risks and discuss them in depth with your surgeon:
- Hernia
- Blood clots
- Dyspnea (Shortness of breath)
- Infections in the GI tract
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel and bladder complications
- Intestinal obstruction
Other than these, you might develop scar tissues in your abdomen that causes your organs to stick together. The chances of post-surgical complications are more in people above the age of 50 years and those with morbid obesity.
What steps do we need to follow to prepare for the operation?
Preparing for the operation is a crucial step to ensure the patient is ready for the surgery and knows about the diet to be followed before and after the surgery that can lead to adverse complications. Preparations for a colorectal surgery can be summed up in two phases: Preoperative Care and Postoperative Care:
- Preoperative Care: Preoperative care is vital to ensure the patient’s physiological condition is right for the surgery. This includes instructions such as:
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
- Keeping the stomach empty prior to surgery
- Taking prescribed medications on time
- Postoperative Care: In postoperative care, all the protocols to be followed post the surgery are suggested. This includes:
- Diligently following prescribed diet plan
- Walking 5 to 6 times a day (for the first few days)
- Closely monitoring for any uneasiness and checking for any blood leaks
Are there any benefits of opting for robotic colorectal surgery?
Utilizing robot technology for surgeries has been among the major breakthroughs in the healthcare industry. Combining the precision of the robotic arms and the accuracy of skilled surgeons yields effective results for the patients. The combination of laparoscopy and robotic arms operated by a surgeon is used extensively nowadays due to the high success rate. It helps in presenting clear and highly-magnified visuals of internal linings to execute minimally invasive surgery and prevent unnecessary blood loss. To put things into perspective, a robotic arm helps in colorectal surgery by:
- Working with high efficiency without worrying about fatigue
- Imparting high levels of precision while working on critical junctions and joints in the body
- Preventing postoperative risks and complications
If you are interested in exploring robotic colorectal surgery, consult top colorectal surgeons in Dallas experienced in conducting robotic surgeries.
Conclusion
Digestion is an integral physiological process of the body and any complication in any of the organs involved in the process can interrupt the entire process. Colorectal surgeries are crucial for treating underlying cancers, damages, and diseases, and when performed with precision on time (under strict mandates), the results can be life-saving. If you are interested in getting colorectal surgery in Dallas or Fort Worth, book an appointment and consultation with the best colorectal surgeons in DFW. Choose a surgeon that can understand your case, provide undivided attention during consultations and charts the best possible solution for your condition.
