The colon is a part of the large intestine that filters out what is left in the food and forms the stool. Other colon functions are absorbing vitamins and pushing waste toward the rectum for removal. Several problems may affect the colon, causing it not to function correctly. Colon surgery Lenox Hill helps to remedy these problems. Minimally invasive methods continue to revolutionize how colon surgery is performed. Treatments like Laparoscopy and robotic surgery are used to help you get relief from the various diseases affecting the colon. Below are some of the reasons you might need colon surgery.
Colon polyps
Colon polyps form on the colon’s lining, abnormal growths but mostly harmless. Nonetheless, with time they may develop into colon cancer. Polyps occur when cells divide and grow more than they should. Colon polyps can be caused by factors like being overweight, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, and type 2 diabetes if not well-managed. Some genetic conditions like Gardner’s, Serrated polyposis, Putz-Jeghers, and Lynch syndrome can also lead to colon polyps. Colon polyps are mainly categorized into two, namely:
- Hyperplastic – unlikely to become cancerous
- Adenoma – Though not all adenoma polyps may not become harmful, most colon cancers start in this form.
Colon cancer
Colon/colorectal cancer begins as a growth on the colon or rectum’s inner lining (polyps). Depending on how rooted it is, colorectal cancer can extend outside the colon/rectum. Adenocarcinomas are the most commonly colorectal cancer. Other less common tumors can also start in the colon and rectum. These include Sarcomas, Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), Carcinoid tumors, and Lymphomas.
Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction happens when your small or large intestines are blocked. When this happens, you may experience stomach pains or a swollen belly. Bowel obstruction can be due to partial or complete blockage. You should see a doctor if you experience symptoms like Lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, a complex, swollen belly, constipation, a hard, swollen belly, and diarrhea. The blocking object can be surgically removed to eliminate such symptoms and to help avoid potential complications.
Severe colon bleeding
Do you suspect you have rectal bleeding? You can check a few things to be certain, including:
- Blood on your toilet paper
- Vomiting
- Black or dark red color bowel movement
Several factors can cause bleeding, including inflammatory bowel movements, large polyps, ulcers, anal fissures, or hemorrhoids. If you experience these symptoms, it is good to seek medical diagnosis and treatment, which may necessitate surgery.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Crohn’s disease causes digestive system inflammation. Any part of the digestive system can be affected, but Crohn’s disease mainly impacts the colon and small intestines. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation, irritation, and ulcers on the lining of your colon (large intestine). Both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis causes inflammatory bowel disease. There is no cure for these diseases, but there are treatments, including surgery, that can help manage the symptoms and live a healthier life.
The colon (large intestine) is an integral part of the digestive system, and keeping it healthy is vital. Call or visit Lenox Hill Surgeons, LLP today to learn more about colorectal surgery and its potential benefits.