Colorectal Surgeon Phoenix treats diseases and conditions of the lower gastrointestinal tract. They use advanced diagnostic techniques and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

They are also experts in robotic and laparoscopic colon surgery, which allows for less pain and a quicker recovery. Some patients need a temporary or permanent ostomy bag, which allows waste to leave the body through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma.
This procedure is used to treat conditions that affect the colon, including rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) and severe rectal prolapse. A proctectomy removes part or all of the lower portion of the colon. It may also include a fecal diversion, which diverts the flow of stool from the remaining colon to another part of the body.
Proctocolectomy is a surgical option for people who have invasive rectal cancer or inoperable bowel disease. It can be performed through an incision in the abdomen or the perineum, and can be open or laparoscopic.
During the surgery, your doctor will give you general anesthesia so that you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Once they have access to your rectum, they will remove the affected tissue, but leave your anus and anal sphincter intact. If the colon is too long, your surgeon will likely perform a fecal diversion. This diverts the poop from your colon to another part of the body, such as an ileostomy or colostomy.
You will stay in the hospital for several days, up to a week, depending on your progress. During this time, your healthcare team will focus on pain management and fluid drainage. They will likely insert a tube in your bladder to drain urine and surgical drains to keep fluid from building up in the area. They will also teach you how to manage your ileostomy or colostomy once you are home.
The effectiveness of a proctectomy depends on several factors, including the stage and location of the cancer. It can also be affected by a person’s overall health, any other serious health conditions and the skill of their healthcare team.
Some of the most common complications of a proctectomy include nerve damage, anesthesia problems and infection. Nerve damage can cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the affected area. Anesthesia complications can include breathing difficulties, allergic reactions and anesthesia-related injuries, such as arachnoid cysts. Infection can occur in the area where the ostomy is created, or at other areas in the body that have been touched during the surgery.
Reconnection of the intestine
The large intestine is the last part of the journey food takes through your lower digestive tract. A colon disease can cause the intestines to become inflamed and ineffective, causing symptoms like pain in your lower abdomen or when you poop.
If you have a condition that affects your colon, your surgeon might recommend surgery to correct the problem. Surgery can range from minor to major and can be done as an open or laparoscopic procedure. Open surgeries are generally more invasive and require a longer recovery period. But many patients are now having colorectal surgery using laparoscopic methods, which are less invasive and can lead to faster recoveries.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend reconnection of the intestines (also called colostomy). This is when a portion or all of your colon is removed, but healthy ends of your bowel are reconnected together. It’s a common surgical treatment for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other conditions that affect your colon.
This operation is usually done under general anesthesia. Before the operation, your doctor will ask you to drink a liquid cleansing solution or take laxatives to empty your lower digestive tract. This is to ensure a clean surgical site and prevent post-surgical infection.
When the operation is done, your surgeon will stitch or staple your colon and close the wound on your abdomen. They might also create an opening in your abdominal wall that is attached to a bag, which will collect waste. The opening is known as a stoma or ostomy.
During an ileocecal resection, your surgeon removes the end of your small intestine, which is called your terminal ileum, because it’s affected by a disease such as Crohn’s disease. They then stitch the healthy end of your small intestine to the healthy end of your colon, which is known as an anastomosis. In some cases, this isn’t possible and your surgeon might have to create a colostomy instead.
Colostomy
Colostomy is a surgical procedure done when part of the colon, rectum or anus is removed. It diverts the stool from the bowel to an opening in the abdominal wall (a stoma). A bag is attached around the stoma. The stool passes into the stoma and collects in the bag, which is changed regularly. It can be permanent or temporary, depending on the condition requiring the surgery.
During the operation, you will be put under general anaesthesia. After the surgeon marks the area where the stoma will be, they make three incisions on the abdomen. The incisions are used to access the bowel and to insert tools for surgery. The surgeon cuts the damaged portion of the colon and stitches it to the abdominal wall, creating a strong and sturdy opening known as a stoma. They attach a bag called a stoma appliance to the stoma, which captures the patient’s stool and prevents it from passing back through the colon.
You can expect to stay in hospital for 4-7 days. A stoma nurse will help you learn how to care for your colostomy. They will also tell you where to find stoma appliances in your locality. They will also advise you about a diet to follow.
The stoma bag is not visible, so people who know you will not be able to see it. In addition, it does not smell or cause discomfort when you urinate. You can still lead a full life after the surgery, but you will have to change the stoma bag between 3-6 times each day. You will also need to make sure you drink enough water to keep your body hydrated.
Some people need a permanent colostomy because of a medical condition that cannot be treated. Others have a temporary colostomy, and their doctor can reverse it with another surgery.
With regular follow-ups from your healthcare provider, you can manage the symptoms of a colostomy and avoid complications like skin irritation or stoma leakages. Regular follow-ups will also allow you to talk to your doctor about other issues, such as your emotional well-being and dietary preferences.
Recovery
Surgical recovery varies depending on the type of operation. Some surgeries require more time in the hospital and have a longer recovery period. Other surgeries may be outpatient procedures with less recovery time.
Your doctor will explain your surgery and how it will affect your recovery. Your surgeon will also give you a set of instructions to follow after the procedure. This is important for a successful operation and a quick recovery.
When your surgeon believes it is safe to do so, you will be able to get up and walk around. You will be given pain medication so you can comfortably move about. Your colon and rectum will likely feel very full, painful or numb at first but these symptoms should improve over time.
For many patients, a colorectal surgeon can treat their symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes. However, if surgery is necessary, experts like Elizabeth Wood, MD use the least invasive surgical methods possible to minimize risk and recovery.
You will need to prepare for your surgery with a special bowel cleansing routine and antibiotics. Your surgeon will provide instructions for this process which may include a liquid diet, laxatives or enemas. The surgeon will also take blood samples and a chest X-ray.
The surgeon will remove the diseased section of the colon and reconstruct the digestive tract. Typically, the colon will be stitched together and stool (waste) will leave the body through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma or ostomy bag. The ostomy bag can be temporary or permanent based on the surgery and condition of your colon.
After the colon is reconnected, your surgeon will test it to make sure it is working properly. You will need to urinate frequently and may have a burning sensation when you urinate. Your surgeon will also need to check the stoma site often for redness, swelling or irritation.
Most patients are able to return home within two to three days after their operation. Your doctor will let you know if you can drive or not and may need to arrange for someone to help with your care at home.