Colon Disease
The colon, also known as the large intestine, plays a vital role in the body. The muscles that line its walls make it efficient in removing water, salt, and some nutrients from digested food. This process also helps in the formation of stool. Because of the billions of bacteria inside the colon, it plays a role in maintaining a healthy balance within the body.
Conditions that affect the colon can disrupt this natural process and significantly impact one’s health. Some of these conditions include:
• Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
• Diverticulosis (formation of tiny pouches along its wall)
• Diverticulitis (inflammation of the diverticula)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (also known as Crohn’s disease)
• Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon and the rectum)
• Colon polyps (small growths in the colon)
• Colon cancer
Surgery is a common treatment for many of these colonic diseases. There are a different surgical options for colon disease. The type of surgery required will depend on the stage of the color and physician recommendation. Your Premier Surgical surgeon will work with you and your referring physician to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Surgical Options
Local excision
Local excision is applicable for early stages of colorectal cancer. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the cancer and its surrounding tissues. Because it is typically done for rectal cancer, local excision may be done through the anus or through a small incision in the rectum.
Resection of the colon
In the resection of the colon, affected areas of the large intestine are removed and the surgeon may either sew the healthy parts together (a procedure called anastomosis) or a stoma may be made outside the body for the waste to pass through (a procedure called colostomy). Colostomy is done if the doctor is not able to stich the healthy ends of the colon together.
Colectomy
Colectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removal of a part or all of the colon. It could be total colectomy (removal of the entire colon), partial colectomy (removal of part of the colon), hemicolectomy (removal of either the right or left part of the colon), or proctocolectomy (removal of both the colon and rectum).
At Premier Surgical in Knoxville, we have board certified surgeons who are highly-trained in surgically treating conditions of the colon. Our medical team and knowledgeable staff are skilled in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of colon diseases and the care that comes both before and after surgery. To learn more, visit our website or schedule a consultation today.