Colorectal surgeons specialize in surgeries performed on the lower half of the gastrointestinal tract-the large intestine (also called the colon), the rectum, and the anus. Colorectal surgeons are highly trained.
After completing the qualifications to be a general surgeon they then complete a course focused specifically on colorectal surgery, which makes them eligible to apply for board certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
Hemorrhoids
The most common procedures performed by the colorectal surgeon in Mission Viejo involve treating hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be thought of as varicose veins of the anus-enlarged, twisted veins either inside the anus or under the skin around the anus. This problem affects an estimated 75% of adults and can be caused by pregnancy, constipation, sitting for prolonged periods, heavy lifting, anal intercourse, a low-fiber diet, or sometimes there is no apparent cause. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home, but cases that cause a lot of bleeding, pain, itching, and so forth will require treatment by the skilled colorectal surgeon in Mission Viejo.
Anal Issues
The colorectal surgeon in Mission Viejo has extensive expertise in treating the following conditions that affect anal function:
- Anal fissures
- Imperforate anus
- Anal cancer
- Anal displacement
- Anal fistula
- Anal injuries
- Removal of objects stuck in the anus
Rectal Issues
Issues affecting the rectum and anus can cause serious impairment of quality of life and may make it impossible for someone to hold a job, maintain a social life, or even go about daily activities of living. Some of these conditions that can be treated by the skilled colorectal surgeon in Mission Viejo include fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse. Both of these conditions are most commonly caused by injuries incurred while giving birth, but can be caused by a variety of other conditions. Repair of a rectal prolapse is always a surgical procedure. Treatment of fecal incontinence may or may not involve surgical repair depending on the cause and extent of injury to the anus and rectum.
Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among adults in the US. All adults 50 years and older are urged to engage in a colorectal cancer screening program. When caught early, colorectal cancer is very treatable. After diagnosis, a team of medical professionals will be assembled to treat the condition. The primary treatment approach for colorectal cancer is surgery, which of course will be performed by a colorectal surgeon. The goal is to completely remove the tumor while removing as little of the healthy tissue as possible. Currently, around 90% of early-stage colorectal cancers can be cured.
Miscellaneous Conditions
Colorectal surgeons also treat a number of other conditions that affect the digestive tract, such as severe Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, damage incurred in a car accident, and many other conditions that require the attention of a skilled surgeon who specializes in treating the lower digestive tract.