Understanding Colorectal Diseases & Surgery

The colon (large intestine) and rectum are crucial for digestion and waste elimination. Colorectal diseases can cause symptoms like pain, bleeding, constipation, and severe infections. In many cases, surgery is the most effective treatment to restore normal bowel function.

Who Needs Colorectal Surgery?

Surgery is recommended for patients with:

• Colorectal cancer or large polyps.
  
  
• Severe diverticulitis (inflamed pouches in the colon).
  
  
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis complications.
  
  
• Bowel obstruction or persistent constipation.
  
  
• Rectal prolapse or fecal incontinence.
  
  

Types of Colorectal Surgeries

1. Laparoscopic Colectomy (Colon Resection Surgery)

• Removes diseased parts of the colon due to cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
  
  
• Minimally invasive approach leads to a faster recovery.
  
  

2. Colostomy or Ileostomy (Bowel Diversion Surgery)

• Involves creating an opening (stoma) in the abdomen for waste elimination in severe cases.
  
  
• Used for cancer, severe infections, or inflammatory bowel disease.
  
  

3. Laparoscopic Rectopexy (Rectal Prolapse Surgery)

• Repairs rectal prolapse by repositioning and securing the rectum.
  
  

4. Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS)

• Removes polyps and early-stage rectal cancers without major surgery.
  
  

5. Hemicolectomy & Sigmoid Colectomy

• Removes either half of the colon (hemicolectomy) or a section of the sigmoid colon due to disease.
  
  

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery

• Small incisions with minimal scarring.
  
  
• Less post-operative pain and blood loss.
  
  
• Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.
  
  
• Lower risk of infection and complications.
  
  
• Better bowel function preservation.
  
  

Step-by-Step Colorectal Surgery Procedure

1. Anesthesia Administration – General anesthesia ensures a painless procedure.
   
   
2. Small Incisions – 3-5 keyhole incisions (5-10 mm) in the abdomen.
   
   
3. Insertion of Laparoscope – A camera provides high-definition visualization.
   
   
4. Resection or Repair – The affected part of the colon or rectum is removed or repaired.
   
   
5. Closure and Recovery – The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is monitored post-surgery.
   
   

Recovery After Colorectal Surgery

• Hospital stay of 3-5 days, depending on the condition.
  
  
• Mild abdominal discomfort and bloating are common.
  
  
• Avoid heavy meals initially; follow a soft diet.
  
  
• Walking is encouraged to aid bowel function recovery.
  
  
• Follow-up visits ensure healing and monitor bowel habits.
  
  

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Colorectal surgery is safe, but some temporary effects may include:

• Mild constipation or diarrhea (resolves over time).
  
  
• Temporary changes in bowel habits.
  
  
• Rare risk of infection or leakage at the surgical site.
  
  

Long-Term Outlook After Colorectal Surgery

Patients typically experience improved digestion, relief from pain, and better overall bowel function. A healthy diet, hydration, and regular exercise help maintain optimal digestive health.

Get expert colorectal surgery in Agra with Dr. Shwetank Prakash, specializing in laparoscopic colon resection, rectal prolapse repair, and bowel disease treatment. Book your consultation today!