What is rectal surgery?
Rectal surgery includes any procedure that treats a condition that affects the rectum. The rectum is the last portion of your large intestine and stores stool before elimination.
There are many conditions that affect the rectum, including hemorrhoids, cancer, and fissures. Some of these conditions may require rectal surgery. At the office of Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., Inc., the team specializes in rectal surgery.
Who needs rectal surgery?
Your surgeon determines if you need rectal surgery after a consultation. Surgery is the primary treatment for conditions like rectal cancer.
You may also need rectal surgery if you have hemorrhoids that fail to improve with medical interventions, for nonhealing anal fissures, or to treat rectal prolapse.
What are the types of rectal surgery?
There are many types of rectal surgery. The type of procedure depends on the problem.
Polypectomy
Polyps are benign growths that form on the lining of the large intestine. If you have polyps in your rectum, you may need a polypectomy or surgical removal of polyps.
Though benign, polyps may turn cancerous when left untreated.
Rectal cancer surgery
There are many types of rectal surgery to treat rectal cancer. The type of surgery you need depends on the size and location of your cancerous tumor.
In some cases, a surgeon may perform a procedure that removes only the section of the rectum cancer effects. In other cases, they may remove the entire rectum.
Surgery for rectal cancer is complex because of the size of the rectum and requires surgeons with specialized skills.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes hemorrhoids from the rectum. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that develop in the rectum or anus from excess pressure.
Internal sphincterotomy
If you have an anal fissure, which is a tear in your anal tissue, the surgeons at the office of Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., INC. may perform an internal sphincterotomy.
During the procedure, your surgeon stretches or cuts your anal sphincter to stop the muscle spasms that prevent anal fissures from healing.
Rectopexy
Rectopexy is a rectal surgery for the treatment of a rectal prolapse, which is the protrusion of your rectum through your anal opening. During rectopexy, your surgeon repositions and secures your rectum in place.
Rectal surgery is complex and requires skilled surgeons. Call the office of Gil Q. Galloway, M.D., INC., or schedule a consultation online today.
