The lower part of the digestive tract is made of the colon, the rectum, anal canal and the anus at the very end. A variety of conditions affect this area including tumors, infections, physical trauma and congenital diseases among others. Although some colorectal illnesses may be treated with drugs, the mainstay treatment for most of them is surgical. These are some of the concepts on colon and rectal surgery Long Island patients may find useful.
One of the common conditions in the colorectal region is called hemorrhoids. Sometimes, blood vessels in the rectum may get swollen without any reason at all. However, certain factors may predispose one to getting hemorrhoids. Prolonged straining on defecation is one these factors. This is usually as a result of low fiber diet. Pregnancy, obesity and anal sex are additional risk factors.
Piles are usually treated using preventive measures and medication. Aggressive fluid intake and a high fiber diet are key in keeping constipation and straining in check. It is also important that one relieves themselves whenever they feel the urge to. Saline sitz baths for a given period of time every day are part of the conservative management. Nonetheless, surgery is a savior when symptoms become unbearable.
Removal of hemorrhoids can be done on an outpatient basis without any need for general anesthesia. One option is to use a rubber band by tying around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply and the swelling shrivels with time.
The other choice is what is referred to as sclerotherapy and coagulation. Sclerotherapy uses chemicals injected directly into the affected vessel, causing it to shrink. Coagulation mostly uses laser directed to the hemorrhoid. Although hemorrhoids have a tendency to recur with these procedures, they are usually more convenient for the patient.
Hemorrhoidectomy, which simply means surgical removal of hemorrhoids, is the method of choice for very large swellings. The patient can be put on either regional or general anesthesia depending on how complicated the case is. The good thing about surgery is that it greatly lowers the rate of recurrence. However, the patient is at risk of getting urinary tract infections.
Colorectal cancer is another typical condition that may require colorectal surgery. It is usually an old age disease but can affect youngsters with a positive family history. Smoking, obesity and polyps also increase the chance of cancer. Cancer limited to the colon and rectum can be cured by removal of the diseased part and joining the normal ends together. This is medically referred to as resection and anastomosis. In some unfortunate cases, the cancer may have spread to involve the anal sphincters which control stool passage. These have to be removed during the surgery to prevent further spread and recurrence. The patient will have to live with a bag that empties stool through an opening made in the abdomen (colosmtomy bag).
In summary, it is important for the patient to be well informed on all the risks related with surgery. These include anesthetic complications such as respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse. Surrounding structures may be accidentally injured in the process of removing abnormal tissues. All in all, the benefits of surgery for colorectal cancer usually outweigh the risks.
One of the common conditions in the colorectal region is called hemorrhoids. Sometimes, blood vessels in the rectum may get swollen without any reason at all. However, certain factors may predispose one to getting hemorrhoids. Prolonged straining on defecation is one these factors. This is usually as a result of low fiber diet. Pregnancy, obesity and anal sex are additional risk factors.
Piles are usually treated using preventive measures and medication. Aggressive fluid intake and a high fiber diet are key in keeping constipation and straining in check. It is also important that one relieves themselves whenever they feel the urge to. Saline sitz baths for a given period of time every day are part of the conservative management. Nonetheless, surgery is a savior when symptoms become unbearable.
Removal of hemorrhoids can be done on an outpatient basis without any need for general anesthesia. One option is to use a rubber band by tying around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply and the swelling shrivels with time.
The other choice is what is referred to as sclerotherapy and coagulation. Sclerotherapy uses chemicals injected directly into the affected vessel, causing it to shrink. Coagulation mostly uses laser directed to the hemorrhoid. Although hemorrhoids have a tendency to recur with these procedures, they are usually more convenient for the patient.
Hemorrhoidectomy, which simply means surgical removal of hemorrhoids, is the method of choice for very large swellings. The patient can be put on either regional or general anesthesia depending on how complicated the case is. The good thing about surgery is that it greatly lowers the rate of recurrence. However, the patient is at risk of getting urinary tract infections.
Colorectal cancer is another typical condition that may require colorectal surgery. It is usually an old age disease but can affect youngsters with a positive family history. Smoking, obesity and polyps also increase the chance of cancer. Cancer limited to the colon and rectum can be cured by removal of the diseased part and joining the normal ends together. This is medically referred to as resection and anastomosis. In some unfortunate cases, the cancer may have spread to involve the anal sphincters which control stool passage. These have to be removed during the surgery to prevent further spread and recurrence. The patient will have to live with a bag that empties stool through an opening made in the abdomen (colosmtomy bag).
In summary, it is important for the patient to be well informed on all the risks related with surgery. These include anesthetic complications such as respiratory distress and cardiovascular collapse. Surrounding structures may be accidentally injured in the process of removing abnormal tissues. All in all, the benefits of surgery for colorectal cancer usually outweigh the risks.
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