The rectum is the last 4 or 5-inch portion of the large intestine that ends at the anus. Rectal and anal conditions that require surgery may show symptoms or signs of pain, bleeding, or discharge. Our surgeon Dr. Madhu Prasad is highly experienced and utilizes the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat such conditions.
Rectal & Anal Conditions That Require Surgery
The most common rectal and anal conditions that may eventually require surgery are:
- Rectal prolapse: A condition common with children and the elderly in which the tissue lining the rectum and part of the large intestine slips down through the anal opening
- Hemorrhoids: These are swollen, and painful veins located near the rectum and anal area. Surgery may be required for advanced conditions when the vein bleeds excessively and prolapse (stick out)
- Anal abscesses or fistula: Abscesses are the infected anal gland sites that are filled with puss while fistula is the result of the unhealed abscess
- Anal fissures: Tearing in the lining of the anal canal. This may require surgery only if the condition persists even after several weeks of precaution and medication
- Rectal cancer: A disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the rectum
Rectal & Anal Surgery Types
The most common types of surgical procedures performed to treat different rectal and anal conditions are:
- Endoscopic surgery: A surgical method performed through endoscopes that involves fewer or no major incisions
- Hemorrhoidectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids
- Internal Sphincterotomy: A minimally invasive procedure to stretch or cut the internal sphincter muscles in the anal canal
- Rectopexy: A surgical procedure to treat rectal prolapse
- Resection: A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the affected anal, rectum, and/or the sigmoid colon (the S-shaped part of the large intestine, leading into the rectum) region
Rectal & Anal Surgical Procedures
Patients with minor cases are given local anesthesia before performing the surgery. Those undergoing major resection surgeries are given spinal anesthesia to numb the entire lower part of the body. Depending on the surgical procedure, the surgeon will either cut out a part of or the entire rectal and/or anal canal. A partial cutting will be followed by procedures to reconnect the healthy parts. If the whole rectal and/or anal region is cut out, it will require a colostomy to alter how your body excretes waste and fecal matter.
[Also Read: When Do You Need Gallbladder Surgery?] Why Choose Us for Your Rectal & Anal Surgeries?
Alaska cancer treatment center Far North Surgery is a trusted gastrointestinal treatment center in Alaska. Our surgeon Dr. Prasad utilizes the most up-to-date surgical techniques to offer a less invasive surgical procedure that ensures better outcomes and shorter recovery time. Call us 907-276-3676 to get the best-in-class rectal and anal treatment options, or answers to any questions you may have.
