Colon and Rectal Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
Colorectal surgery is a treatment option for conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus, including cancer, polyps, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease. For patients in the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin, Desert Care Network offers evaluation, treatment planning and recovery guidance for colon and rectal surgery.
What Is Colorectal Surgery?
Colorectal surgery refers to procedures used to treat diseases and conditions in the lower digestive tract. This includes the colon, rectum and anus. The colon is part of the large intestine. It absorbs water and salt from what remains after food moves through the small intestine. The rectum stores waste before it leaves the body through the anus.
Colorectal cancers may begin as polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps may change into cancer over time, depending on the type, size, number of polyps and whether abnormal cells are present. A rectal and colon doctor may evaluate symptoms, review test results and talk with you about whether nonsurgical care or surgery may be appropriate. Colorectal surgeons may care for conditions such as:
- Colorectal cancer
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Colon or rectal polyps
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Other lower digestive tract problems
Why You May Be Referred to a Colorectal Surgeon
A referral to a colorectal surgeon does not always mean you need surgery. It may mean your symptoms, screening results or diagnosis need a closer review by a doctor who specializes in treating the colon, rectum and anus. During your visit, colorectal surgery doctors may review your:
- Medical history
- Family history
- Symptoms
- Past screening results
- Colonoscopy, biopsy or imaging results
- Current medications
- Overall health
If cancer is suspected or confirmed, your physician may recommend more testing before discussing colorectal cancer treatment. Testing may include colonoscopy, biopsy, imaging or lab testing, depending on your situation.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery and Treatment Planning
If colorectal cancer is found, treatment depends on the type of cancer, how large it is and whether it has spread. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Some people receive more than one type of treatment.
Screening can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. It can also find colorectal cancer early, before symptoms develop. If a stool test or another screening result is abnormal, a colonoscopy may be needed to complete the screening process.
Procedures for Polyps and Other Colon or Rectal Conditions
Some polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. If a polyp is large, abnormal or linked to other concerns, additional care may be discussed. Colorectal polyp surgery may be considered when a procedure is needed beyond routine removal during screening.
The right plan depends on the type of polyp, number of polyps, size and test results. Your surgeon can explain whether monitoring, removal or another procedure may be appropriate. Some colorectal surgery types may also address conditions affecting the rectum or anus. The plan depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, test findings and overall health.
What Does Colorectal Surgery Involve?
Colorectal surgery procedures vary based on the diagnosis, the area involved and your overall health. Some procedures treat cancer. Others may address polyps, diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Before surgery, your care team may give instructions about diet, medications and bowel prep. Bowel prep clears stool from the colon and rectum before certain procedures.
In many procedures, you receive anesthesia so you are asleep during surgery. The surgeon may use one larger incision for open surgery or several smaller incisions for minimally invasive surgery when appropriate.
During surgery, the surgeon may:
- Remove diseased tissue
- Remove part of the colon or rectum
- Remove polyps or abnormal growths
- Remove nearby lymph nodes for examination if cancer is present
- Reconnect remaining bowel sections when possible
- Create a temporary or permanent stoma when reconnection is not possible right away
A stoma is an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body. Your surgeon will explain whether this is part of your procedure and whether it is expected to be temporary or permanent.
Is Colorectal Surgery a Major Surgery?
Colorectal surgery can be a major surgery, especially when it involves removing part of the colon or rectum, reconnecting the bowel, removing lymph nodes or creating a stoma. Some surgery may be performed using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
The level of surgery depends on the diagnosis and treatment plan. For example, colorectal cancer surgery, colorectal surgery and rectal cancer surgery may involve different steps based on where the disease is located and how much tissue needs to be treated. Your surgeon will explain the reason for the procedure, the planned approach and what recovery may involve.
How Long Does a Colorectal Surgery Take?
A colorectal surgery may take different amounts of time depending on the procedure, surgical approach and condition being treated. Many colorectal surgeries take about two to four hours. More complex cases may take longer. This may happen if the surgeon needs to remove lymph nodes, create a stoma, remove a larger section of bowel or address more than one affected area. Your surgeon can explain the expected timing before the procedure.
How Long Is Recovery After Colorectal Surgery?
Colon cancer surgery recovery time depends on the type of procedure, whether additional treatment is needed and how your body heals. Your surgeon will give instructions based on your specific operation. Once home, recovery may take about three to six weeks. During recovery, you may need to:
- Take pain medication as directed
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- Follow diet instructions while your digestive system heals
- Start with liquids before returning to solid foods, if advised
- Walk gently and increase activity as recommended
- Avoid strenuous activity until cleared
- Learn stoma care if a stoma was created
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Watch for fever, unusual pain, swelling or stoma concerns
Request an Appointment
By submitting this form you agree to receive periodic health related information and updates. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. We cannot give you medical advice via e-mail. To discuss any medical symptoms or conditions contact your physician or other healthcare professional. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.