Colorectal Surgery in Tampa, FL

Colorectal disease is an area of special interest for a couple of our surgeons. Colorectal surgery is a field dealing with the disorders of the colon (large intestine) , rectum and anus. Colorectal issues include colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, diverticulitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), anal fissures and anal fistula. Surgical treatments include laparoscopic and robotic colectomy, colostomy, hemorrhoidectomy and fistulotomy.

COLON CANCER

The colon, otherwise known as the large intestine, is the final portion of the digestive tract.  It absorbs water, stores and eliminates stool.  The colon is comprised of many layers, some of which are the outer muscular layers, which propel stool through the colon and the inner mucosal layers which produce mucus and aid in absorption.

rectal cancer location diagram

RECTAL CANCER

Surgery is a common treatment for rectal cancer. The type of operation used to remove the rectal cancer depends on the extent and location of the cancer. If the rectal cancer is located well above the anus, a low anterior resection (LAR) can be performed. This operation allows the patient to keep anal function and pass stools in a normal manner. If the rectal cancer is located close to the anus, sometimes the anus must be removed with the cancer in an operation called an abdominoperineal resection (APR).

DIVERTICULITIS medical diagram

DIVERTICULITIS

Diverticulosis is a common condition in western countries.  Without adequate fiber and water intake, a patient’s stool can become hard and more difficult to move through the colon.  As the muscles work harder, the extra pressure exerted on the colon wall, causes the colon wall to bulge out and form pouches.  These pouches are called diverticula.