Colon Surgery

Colorectal surgery is a specialised branch of general surgery dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the large intestine, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. The large intestine plays a vital role in the final stages of digestion by absorbing water and electrolytes, producing and absorbing certain vitamins, and forming waste for elimination. When the large intestine is diseased or damaged, it can significantly disrupt digestive function and negatively impact overall health and quality of life.

Specialists in this field, known as colorectal surgeons, are highly trained in both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques to manage conditions of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They work closely with gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Colorectal disease symptoms

• persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• abdominal bloating
• chronic abdominal pain
• changes in bowel habits
• rectal bleeding or bloody stool
• associated with severe weight loss

List of Conditions

1. Colorectal cancer - cancer of colon or rectum in origin, usually starting as benign polyps
2. Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
3. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis - formation of abnormal pouches in the colon wall and inflammation or infection of said pouches (diverticula)
4. Haemorrhoid - swollen veins in the rectum or anus causing discomfort and bleeding
5. Anal fissure - tears or cracks in the lining of the anus
6. Anal abscess - pockets of pus that can form in the anal region due to infection
7. Anal fistula - abnormal connections or tunnels between the anal canal and the skin
8. Rectal prolapse - rectum protrudes outside the anus
9. Bowel obstruction - partial or complete blockage over small or large intestine leading to surgical emergency
10. Polyps in the colon or rectum - abnormal growths that can turn cancerous if not removed
11. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits
12. Gastrointestinal bleeding - bleeding that occurs anywhere in the digestive tract
13. Anal wart - Growth of small, flesh-coloured or pink lumps caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
14. Perianal infection - Infections around the anal region
15. Anorectal abscess - collection of pus under the skin within the anus and rectum area
16. Functional bowel disorder – 0fecal incontinence or chronic constipation

Diagnostic examination

Typically, in an appointment, our colorectal surgeons consult and examine you to further understand your conditions and devise your individual treatment and management plan in tackling the condition.

Some diagnostic tests you may be put under during this are such as stool tests, blood tests, and visual examination including:

• Colonoscopy
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Anoscopy (examination of the anal canal and rectum)
• Proctoscopy (rigid sigmoidoscopy)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Imaging studies
• Computed tomography (CT) colonography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Barium enema followed by x-ray imaging
• Anorectal manometry (non-invasive procedure to evaluate rectal and anal muscle’s function)

List of Surgeries Performed

1. Bowel resection surgery - surgical removal of all or part of the colon, commonly performed for conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
2. Laparoscopic surgery – minimally invasive for less pain, less scar and faster recovery
3. Haemorrhoidectomy - surgical removal of haemorrhoids (swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus).
4. Anal Fistulotomy - surgical procedure to treat an anal fistula by creating an opening to allow drainage and promote healing.
5. Abscess Drainage - surgical drainage of an abscess to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
6. Colostomy or Ileostomy - surgical creation of an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall to divert faecal flow when part of the colon or rectum is removed or bypassed.
7. Polypectomy – surgical resection of polyp
8. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)
9. Anastomosis surgery – joining two parts of bowel after resection
10. Anal Sphincter Repair - Surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the anal sphincter muscles, often required for cases of faecal incontinence.
11. Appendectomy - minimally invasive removal of the appendix, often performed in cases of appendicitis.
12. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair - minimally invasive procedure to repair hernias
13. Anoplasty - surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the anus

At Pantai Hospital Ipoh, our colorectal surgeons practice various endoscopic and surgical techniques to treat GI tract complications, employing advanced techniques to restore optimal gastrointestinal function, relieve symptoms, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life through safe and effective surgical care.