Surgical Gastroenterologist
Colon Cancer - Colectomy
Colon cancer is the cancer of large intestine and is the third most common cancer affecting both Men and Women.
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As long as colonoscopy is performed roughly every 5 years it is highly unlikely that one will get colon cancer.
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Screening colonoscopy should be performed at age 50 for the general population.
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Polyps are precancerous growths found in the colon that grow over time.
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Some of the benign polyps (Non cancerous) grown inside colon become malignant (cancerous) over time, thus causing colon cancer.
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Any change in the bowel habits, persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas or pain, blood in stool, weakness or fatigue or unexplained weight loss Symptoms of the colon cancer may include any one or all of the following especially when extending for more than 4 weeks.
Surgery is the first priority to remove the tumour, (esp. in earlier stages) and at times Chemotherapy and Radiation are also given in some patients
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The type of surgery depends on the stage (extent) of the cancer and its location.
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Surgical removal of Colon is called Colectomy.
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If only part of the colon is removed, it's called Hemicolectomy or partial colectomy. If the entire colon is removed, it's called a Total colectomy.
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Colectomy either partial or total can be done through Open or Laparoscopic procedure
Risk factors include: Older age, family history of colon cancer, Obesity, Sedentary life style, smoking, Diabetes, Alcohol consumption
Anal Fistula – Fistulotomy
An anal fistula is a small tunnel that develops between the end of the bowel and the skin near the anus.
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It is caused due to the result of an infection near the anus causing a collection of pus abscess in the nearby tissue.
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Symptoms of Anal fistula include Irritation of skin around the anus, Foul smelling discharge near the anus, Inflammation near the anus and
High Temperature. (If abscess is present)
Anal fistulas usually require surgery as they rarely heal if left untreated.
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Treatment options include:
Fistulotomy – A fistula occurs when two of your organs or vessels form an abnormal connection. These organs or vessels would otherwise not be connected.
A fistulotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a fistula by cutting open the whole length of the fistula so it heals into a flat scar
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Seton procedures : – A piece of surgical thread called a seton is placed in the fistula and left there for several weeks to help it heal before a further procedure is carried out to treat it
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Other techniques – including filling the fistula with special glue, blocking it with a special plug, or covering it with a flap of tissue
