Colorectal surgery is a blanket term used to describe a number of surgeries that fixproblems the lower gut.
This can include organs such as the bowel,colon, rectum, anus.
You could need colorectal to help treat a condition likeCrohn’s disease, or in hopes of curingcolon cancer.
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Learn more about the surgeries included in this category.
What Is Colorectal Surgery?
Colorectal surgeries are procedures that are done to correct a damaged or disease section of your lower intestinal tract.
Colorectal surgeries can be done using a variety of surgical techniques.
The following steps may be taken to prepare you for surgery.
These surgeries may be performed in both adults and children, although they are more common in adults.
Various Surgery Techniques
There are several ways colorectal surgery may be performed.
Below is an overview of the techniques most often used, and in which situations.
This option isnt for everyone, though.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgeryis another minimally-invasive option.
Open surgery
Open surgeryis usually performed when minimally invasive techniques wont work.
Contraindications
There are rarely contraindications for colorectal surgery, other than for certain techniques.
Sometimes, when the surgeons reconnect tissue during colorectal surgery, there can be problems with healing.
This is called anastomotic leakage, and its one of the most serious complications of colorectal surgery.
Roughly a third of deaths after colorectal surgery can be attributed to this problem.
This complication may need to be repaired with another surgery.
Ileus:Ileusis the term used to describe a lack of movement in your intestines.
During surgery, anesthesia causes your bowels to stop working for a period of time.
This is particularly important in surgeries involving the areas affected during colorectal surgery.
Sometimes, it can take a while for digestion and movement in the bowels to resume after surgery.
Medications and time usually resolve this problem.
How to Prepare
Colorectal surgery is a major surgical procedure.
Prior to surgery, you will undergo a number of tests and scans, and your medications may change.
You will also need toprepare your bowelsby taking laxatives to clear your intestines before surgery.
During bowel prep, you will drink clear liquids and drink a laxative solution.
The goal of this process is to clear your lower digestive tract of food and stool.
This gives your surgeon a clear and clean surgical field to help prevent post-operative infections.
These surgeries can be done with open or minimally invasive procedures.
A tube will be placed in your throat to help you breathe while you are under sedation.
The surgery will take several hours and you will be taken to a recovery area afterward.
The recovery period for an open surgery is more extensive, lasting several weeks.
In open surgery, your surgeon will make a large incision down the center of your abdomen.
You will be watched carefully for signs of infection or poor healing.
you’ve got the option to usually resume normal activity within days to weeks after your surgery.
If it was to correct an obstruction or blockage, you may be cured with surgery.
Diseases like cancer might need ongoing testing and treatment.
Not all colorectal surgeries are curative.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about what kind of changes you should expect after colorectal surgery.
A Word From Verywell
Colorectal surgery is a major inpatient procedure.
After colorectal surgery, you will likely face a significant recovery period, and you may need follow-up procedures.
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