Procedures
Colorectal conditions range from benign to malignant and from relatively simple outpatient procedures to extremely complex major abdominal inpatient procedures. The most common procedures performed in these categories are listed below.
Anorectal Surgery
Anorectal surgery (formerly known as proctology) involves the correction of common anorectal conditions. These are usually done comfortably under deep sedation in a day surgery center. They are among the most common colorectal procedures and have an extremely high rate of success. Colorectal surgeons are experts in the performance of these procedures.
Colon Surgery
Colon surgery involves the correction of diseases of the large intestine (the colon is the upper portion and the rectum the lower portion of the large intestine). These are performed in the hospital setting and while they constitute major abdominal surgery they are predominantly performed robotically or laparoscopically affording patients smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery than in the past. Conventional open surgery is still required in some cases. Colorectal surgeons are experts in the performance of these complex operations.
Colonoscopy
A procedure in which a flexible fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the anus in order to examine the colon.
Pelvic Floor Conditions
Pelvic floor disorders are a group of conditions which affect the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that support our pelvic organs including the bowel, bladder and in women the vagina and uterus. These conditions are predominantly seen women as the two main causes are childbirth and aging. While most of these conditions do not require surgery, colorectal surgeons are experts in the evaluation and treatment of these benign conditions. Recent treatment advances in this field have afforded great relief to patients with these conditions in minimally invasive ways.