Colorectal surgery
Diseases of the colon, rectum and anus are
common. Large bowel cancer is the second most frequent tumour
in Western Industrialised societies due to lifestyle and genetic
factors. Surgery is the main treatment which may be combined
with chemoradiotherapy. Considerable progress has been made
in recent years to improve survival and to avoid a colostomy or
bag.
Inflammatory bowel disease including
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease often affect young
patients. When medical treatment is no longer effective,
surgery may be necessary. The surgeon’s aim is to remove the
inflammation while avoiding a colostomy or ileostomy. For
most patients this is possible. Other causes of bowel
inflammation such as diverticular disease may also need
surgery.
The colorectal surgeon also treats functional
disorders such as rectal prolapse and incontinence. Anal
diseases including haemorrhoids, fissure, abscess and other forms
of infection also come within the speciality. These
conditions are very common and cause much distress. A large
majority can be treated satisfactorily.
Information provided by Professor R J Nicholls
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