Colon & Rectal
Treatment Information
All of our physicians at SASC treat common colon and rectal
problems. Below are some of the operations/services that are
offered to treat colon and rectal disease.
Constipation Severe constipation can be corrected by a
surgical procedure.
Rectal Prolapse Transabdominal and transanal repair.
Rectocele Evaluation and operative treatment.
Anal Condylomata Office and Outpatient surgical treatment
Polyps Colonoscopy and polypectomy. - Screening
colonoscopy and office sigmoidoscopy.
General Information
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common symptoms related to the large
intestine. A normal range of bowel movements is from 3 per day to
once every three days. Common causes of constipation are lack of
adequate water intake, lack of adequate fiber intake, lack of
exercise, and medications. We recommend the average person drink 4
to 6 eight ounce glasses of water each ( not to include soft drinks,
coffee, or tea) daily and consume 25 grams of fiber daily Any change
in bowel habits that persists should be investigated by a physician.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, bulging blood vessels in and about the
anus and lower rectum. There are two types of hemorrhoids; external
and internal, which refer to their location.
The most common causes of hemorrhoids are chronic constipation and
pregnancy. Symptoms include protrusion, anal bleeding, and pain. Not
all anal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids and all patients with
anorectal bleeding should be investigated by a physician.
Most patients can be treated with nonoperative measures (see
constipation above), and some internal hemorrhoids can be ligated in
the office. Large external hemorrhoids require surgical removal.
Colon & Rectal Cancer
Colon and rectal cancer is the most common form of abdominal
malignancy. The cancer develops in the lining of the colon or
rectum, usually within a polyp. Removing these polyps while they are
small can prevent most colon cancers. Prevention also includes a
diet high in fiber and low in fat.
Treatment of colon and rectal cancer is primarily by surgical
removal. Chemotherapy is sometimes used in addition to surgical
removal. Radiation therapy may be useful in cancers of the rectum.
Most colon and rectal cancers can be treated without a colostomy.
Colon evaluations to detect polyps should start at age 40, at
anytime there is a change in the bowel habits, or the occurrence of
anorectal bleeding.
Information Links
American Society of Colon and
Rectal Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal
Endoscopic Surgeons
CancerNet
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