What Conditions Require a Colon Surgery?

Healthy colon function is essential to overall well-being. Unfortunately, numerous issues can arise in this latter portion of the digestive tract. But, if detected early, patient outcomes are more likely to be positive. So, if you have any concerns about your loved ones or your own health, please contact us at Sierra Pacific Surgical, or come see us in Folsom or Roseville, CA.

Multiple conditions may require colon surgery

One such condition is the formation of polyps in the colon. A polyp is a small cluster of cells, and usually, it’s benign or harmless. Certain factors, such as heredity, smoking, and being over the age of 50, increase the chances of polyp formation, though there’s a chance that polyps may develop into colon cancer. Since they cause no symptoms, they must be detected through routine screenings to be entirely and more easily removed while at a less-developed stage.

Alternatively, small pouches called diverticula can also form inside the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. These diverticula generally ramp up their formation in one’s 40s, so their presence is not uncommon, especially in older individuals. They do not always cause problems, but they may become inflamed or infected, a condition known as diverticulitis. More advanced or recurring cases of diverticulitis may need to be corrected surgically.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a suite of different disorders generally involving digestive tract inflammation, can require surgery. These various disorders can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea or other such troubles, blood in the stool, weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

One well-known form of IBD is ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers, or sores, in the inner lining of the digestive tract, including the colon. Chron's disease is another form of IBD that incites inflammation in the digestive tract. These disorders may develop gradually and can be debilitating, painful, and occasionally result in grave complications.

Another multi-cause condition that may develop is bowel obstruction. The obstruction can be anything that blocks passage through the small or large intestines and stops material from flowing through the digestive system. Blockages can include the previously mentioned polyps, fecal matter, abscesses, twists in the intestine, or more severe concerns, like cancerous growths.

This condition can result in serious, potentially life-threatening problems, so if you’ve noticed an onset of bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or the inability to go to the bathroom or pass gas, it’s imperative for Sacramento-area residents to seek a professional consultation at one of our Sierra Pacific Surgical practices in Folsom or Roseville CA.

The most serious condition that may require surgical intervention is colon cancer. Depending on how early it’s detected, it may be treated with a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Using small surgical incisions, we can remove the abnormal growth along with a small section of the inner portion of the colon. Sometimes, we may remove the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues or a larger part of the colon and then reconnect the remaining passages. More severe cases may require more extensive removal and making an abdominal hole through which body waste can drain into a colostomy bag.

Early detection is vital, so contact us today to improve your likelihood of an ideal outcome

At Sierra Pacific Surgical, we’re devoted to your health and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. But being proactive is one effective way to help yourself, as early detection is crucial and may prevent more serious complications and more extensive treatments. So, if you have any concerns or would like to learn more, get in touch with us or pay us a visit at our Folsom or Roseville, CA practices.