Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal Surgery

Palm Beach Health Network offers colorectal surgery in Palm Beach County, FL as treatment option for conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Surgeons may provide evaluation, screening guidance and minimally invasive surgical options for cancerous and non-cancerous colorectal conditions when surgery may be needed.

 

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Colorectal Disease

Colorectal disease can affect the colon, rectum, anus, bowel function and pelvic floor. Palm Beach Health Network colorectal surgeons evaluate patients and help determine whether medication, screening, lifestyle changes or surgery may be appropriate.

Colorectal surgery may be used to treat cancerous and non-cancerous conditions including:

  • Colorectal polyps
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Colon or rectal cancer
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Pelvic floor problems
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Minimally invasive laparoscopy abdominal procedures
  • Other gastrointestinal conditions and diseases

Colorectal Cancer: Early Detection Results in a 90% Survival Rate

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum. These cancers, when cells in the body start to grow out of control, may also be termed colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer originates. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.

Screening can help detect colorectal cancer before symptoms occur. When colorectal cancer is found at a localized stage, meaning it has not spread outside the colon or rectum, the 5-year relative survival rate may be about 90%. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends everyone 45 and older schedule a colonoscopy screening. Talk with your doctor about when to begin screening and which test may be right for you.

When to See a Colorectal Surgeon

Your primary care physician will refer you to a colorectal surgeon to diagnose a condition or treat one that has been detected. Colonoscopy, an exam of the lining of the colon and rectum, is routinely recommended for many adults beginning at age 45 as part of a colorectal cancer screening plan. Sometimes, prescribed lifestyle and dietary changes or medication may help resolve a colorectal health issue. You should consult your primary care physician if you have:

  • Changes in your bowel habits
  • Bleeding from your rectum
  • Blood in your stool
  • Unexplained abdominal symptoms
  • Other gastrointestinal conditions and diseases

Some people may need colorectal cancer screening before age 45 or more often than others, including those with inflammatory bowel disease, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or certain genetic syndromes. Talk with your doctor about when to begin screening and which test may be right for you.

See Michael’s Colon Cancer Survivor story

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of therapies. Your care team can explain which options may be recommended based on the cancer type, stage, location and overall health.

There are three different types of radiation therapy which may be used to treat colorectal cancer:

  • External-beam radiation therapy focuses radiation on the cancer from outside the body;
  • Endocavitary radiation therapy delivers radiation through a hand-held device placed into the anus; and
  • Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) involves placing small pellets of radioactive material next to or directly into the cancer.

Chemotherapy, which involves administering drugs either into a vein or orally, may be part of a colorectal cancer treatment plan as well. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be given along with radiation before surgery to try to shrink some rectal cancers. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery in case the cancer returns.

Discuss potential side effects of treatment with your doctor. Most side effects should decrease after treatment, but steps can be taken to reduce or relieve them.

Colorectal Surgery and Treatment Planning

Some patients who need minimally invasive colon surgery may be candidates to go home the same day or within 24 hours. Palm Beach Health Network offers same-day colon surgery options in Palm Beach County, FL, using advanced surgical techniques, enhanced recovery planning and careful patient selection.

When surgery is required, colorectal surgeons may use advanced procedures, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, to treat certain colorectal illnesses and disorders. Care may include:

Frequently Asked Questions

You may be referred to a colorectal surgeon for symptoms, abnormal screening results or a condition needing specialized evaluation. Common reasons include bowel changes, rectal bleeding, abdominal symptoms, polyps or cancer concerns. 

Colorectal surgery may be major or less invasive, depending on the procedure and surgical approach. The complexity depends on the condition, extent of surgery, overall health and whether minimally invasive options are appropriate. 

After colorectal surgery, your care team will give recovery instructions based on your procedure, health and discharge plan. Guidance may cover diet, activity, incisions, bowel changes and follow-up. 

Recovery after colorectal surgery varies by procedure, approach and overall health. Some patients go home the same day; others need hospital and at-home recovery. 

Call your surgeon after colorectal surgery for fever, worsening belly pain, vomiting, bleeding, black stools, chest pain or shortness of breath. Also call if bowel movements stop after returning. 

Palm Beach Health Network offers colorectal surgery in Palm Beach County, FL, for conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Use Find a Location or Find a Doctor to connect with local care. 

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