This includes thelarge intestine, the anus, and the rectum.
The colon then has a turn into the transverse colon which goes across the abdomen from right to left.
Next is another turn into the descending colon which goes down the left side of the abdomen.
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The last part is the sigmoid colon, which curves down to the rectum.
The rectum is located between the large intestine and the anus and is the last part of the colon.
It is a tube-shaped structure thats where stool is held until it is ready to leave the body.
The rectum can stretch, to a degree, thanks to the elastic muscles that line it.
The muscles are what help the rectum to hold differing amounts of stool prior to a bowel movement.
The anus is a group of muscles that form a sphincter (a circle).
The anal sphincter muscles hold stool in until its time to have a bowel movement.
There are a wide range of disorders for which a colorectal surgeon is trained in managing and treating.
Some of the conditions that are associated with anal fissures are constipation, hypothyroidism, and obesity.
Anal warts.Anal warts are growths that occur on an inside the anal canal.
Anal warts may start small and grow larger over time.
Removal can be done with a variety of methods, including cryotherapy, electrocautery, or laser treatments.
A colorectal surgeon can help determine what is causing the bleeding.
Colon polyps.Polyps are growths that occur in the lining of the rectum and the colon.
Polyps may grow larger over time and lead to the development of colon cancer.
Removing polyps, which can be done during a colonoscopy, prevents them from growing and from becoming cancerous.
Colorectal cancer.Cancer in the colon and rectum starts as a polyp.
Constipation.Passing hard stools or only going to the bathroom infrequently has a variety of causes.
Diarrhea.There are many causes of loose stools and it often goes away on its own.
Diverticular disease.About half of people over the age of 60 have outpouchings in their colon which are called diverticula.
Fistulas.A fistula is an abnormal connection (somewhat like a tunnel) between two body structures.
Hemorrhoids.A swollen vein in the anal canal or the rectum can cause pain, itching, and bleeding.
Rectal prolapse.Arectal prolapseis when the rectum extends outside of the anus.
This causes the rectum to extend and push into the back wall of the vagina.
There are a variety of surgeries in which these physicians are trained.
Hemorrhoid Surgery
In some cases, hemorrhoids dontrespond to care at home and require surgery.
Hemorrhoids might be removed through rubber band ligation, laser coagulation, orhemorrhoidectomy.
Laser coagulation might also be used to treat fistulas.
The next step is a surgical residency, which can be five or six years long.
After that, there are one or two more years of specialized training in colon and rectal surgery.
After about 14 years of higher education, a colon and rectal surgeon may apply for board certification.
In addition, some colorectal surgeons will ask for a referral before seeing new patients.
Insurance carriers may also be helpful in finding a colorectal surgeon that is in-connection.
Some people may find it embarrassing to talk about the problems in the lower digestive system.
Colorado Colon & Rectal Specialists.Do I need a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist?
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Colonoscopy.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.Fistula removal.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ostomy surgery of the bowel.
Fyock CJ, Draganov PV.Colonoscopic polypectomy and associated techniques.World J Gastroenterol.
2010;16(29):3630-3637. doi:10.3748/wjg.v16.i29.3630
Cleveland Clinic.Colectomy (bowel resection surgery).
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.ABCRS certification.
