Colorectal Surgery

You may be able to manage some conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus with medication, dietary changes or office-based care. In other cases, you may need colorectal surgery to relieve symptoms, prevent complications or improve quality of life.

At Banner Health, our colorectal surgery teams care for many benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) colon, rectal and anal conditions. We work with gastroenterologists, primary care providers, oncologists and other specialists to help you understand your options and choose the right care for your needs.

What is colorectal surgery?

Colorectal surgery is a surgical specialty that’s focused on the lower part of the digestive tract.

This includes the:

• Colon: Also called the large intestine
• Rectum: The last part of the large intestine
• Anus: The opening where stool leaves the body

Colorectal surgery is not only for cancer. Many colorectal conditions are not cancerous. Colorectal surgeons treat conditions ranging from common concerns like hemorrhoids to more complex bowel conditions such as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, fistulas and pelvic floor problems.

You may be referred to a colorectal surgeon after a colonoscopy, imaging or ongoing symptoms. Your surgeon may begin with nonsurgical treatment options. The goal is to match your treatment to your condition, symptoms and overall health.

Conditions colorectal surgeons treat

Banner Health colorectal surgeons and general surgery teams care for many benign colorectal conditions:

• Diverticulitis and diverticular disease: Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in the colon get inflamed or infected. 
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the anus or lower rectum.
• Anal fissures, fistulas and abscesses: An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus. An anal abscess is an infected pocket of fluid near the anus. A fistula is an abnormal tunnel that can form between your anus and nearby tissue after an abscess.
• Inflammatory bowel disease complications: Inflammatory bowel diseases include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Bowel obstruction or narrowing: Scar tissue, inflammation, diverticular disease or other conditions can narrow or block the bowel.
• Rectal prolapse: Rectal prolapse happens when part of the rectum slips down or outside the anus.
• Fecal incontinence and pelvic floor disorders: Trouble controlling bowel movements can happen because of muscle, nerve or pelvic floor problems.
• Complex or hard-to-remove polyps: Some large or complex colon or rectal polyps may need advanced removal.

Symptoms that may lead to colorectal surgery evaluation

You may be referred to a colorectal surgeon if you have symptoms that do not improve, keep coming back or are signs of a condition that requires surgery.

Common symptoms include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in your stool
• Pain during bowel movements
• A lump, swelling, or drainage near the anus
• Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
• Changes in your bowel habits
• Trouble emptying your bowels
• Loss of bowel control
• Recurrent belly pain
• Bloating with vomiting
• Inability to pass stool
• Repeated diverticulitis attacks
• A colon or rectal polyp that needs advanced removal

Get emergency care right away if you have:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Fever with belly pain that’s getting worse
• Repeated vomiting
• Swollen abdomen
• The inability to pass gas or stool

When to see a colorectal surgeon

You may need to consult with a colorectal surgeon based on your symptoms, testing or the treatments you’ve tried.

You may be referred by:

• A primary care provider
• A gastroenterologist
• An urgent care or emergency care provider
• A cancer specialist
• Another surgeon

How colorectal conditions are diagnosed

Your care team will begin by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam. Some conditions can be diagnosed during an office visit, while others may require additional testing.

Office evaluation

Your provider may check for hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, fistulas, prolapse or other anal and rectal concerns.

Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

A colonoscopy can help evaluate rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, polyps, inflammation or cancer concerns. A colonoscopy examines the entire large intestine, while a sigmoidoscopy examines the lower third of the large intestine.

Imaging

Depending on your symptoms, imaging may include:

• CT scan
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Defecography (specialized imaging of the rectal area) or pelvic floor imaging, in select cases

Lab or pathology testing

Your provider may order blood tests, stool tests or a biopsy.

Treatment options for benign colorectal conditions

Not every colorectal condition requires surgery. Your care team will explain your options based on your diagnosis, symptoms and health goals.

Nonsurgical treatment

Some conditions may improve with:

• Fiber or diet changes
• More fluids
• Stool softeners or bowel habit changes
• Medication
• Pelvic floor therapy
• Office-based procedures
• Monitoring over time

Minimally invasive surgery

Some colorectal procedures may be done with smaller incisions using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery. With minimally invasive surgery, you may recover faster, depending on the condition and procedure.

Open surgery

Your surgeon may recommend open surgery for complex, urgent or advanced conditions. Your surgeon can explain why this approach may be safest or most effective.

Ostomy surgery and reversal

Some patients may need a temporary or permanent ostomy (a way to collect waste outside of the body), depending on the condition and surgery.

Care after surgery

Your care team will provide instructions on pain control, eating, bowel function, activity, incision care and follow-up visits.

Colorectal surgery and cancer care

You may be referred to a colorectal surgeon because of a cancer concern or a biopsy result.

At Banner Health, we provide dedicated colorectal cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment and support.

Learn more about colorectal cancer care at Banner Health.

A team-based approach to colorectal care

Colorectal conditions often involve more than one type of care. Depending on your needs, your care team may include:

• Colorectal surgeons
• General surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Primary care providers
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Wound and ostomy nurses
• Pelvic floor therapists
• Dietitians
• Cancer specialists, when needed

Why choose Banner Health for colorectal surgery?

Banner Health’s colorectal and general surgery teams provide care for colon, rectal, and anal conditions, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. Our teams coordinate with gastroenterology and digestive diagnostics to review your symptoms, determine whether surgery is needed and connect you with the right care.

Find a Banner Health colorectal surgeon.

FAQs about colorectal surgery

What does a colorectal surgeon treat?

A colorectal surgeon treats conditions of the colon, rectum and anus. These may include diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulas, complications of inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse, bowel obstruction and colorectal cancer.

Is colorectal surgery only for cancer?

No. Many people see a colorectal surgeon for benign (noncancerous) conditions.

When should I see a colorectal surgeon for hemorrhoids?

You may need a colorectal surgery evaluation if hemorrhoids are painful, bleeding, large, keep coming back or do not improve with nonsurgical treatment.

What is the difference between a gastroenterologist and a colorectal surgeon?

A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats digestive conditions, often using medication, lifestyle changes and endoscopic procedures. A colorectal surgeon performs surgery for conditions affecting the colon, rectum and anus. Many patients receive care from both specialists.

Will I need surgery if I see a colorectal surgeon?

Not always. A colorectal surgeon may recommend nonsurgical treatment, office-based procedures or monitoring. Surgery depends on your condition, symptoms and treatment goals.

Do colorectal surgeons perform colonoscopies?

Some colorectal surgeons perform colonoscopies. Colonoscopy may be used to screen for colorectal cancer, remove polyps, and evaluate symptoms such as rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is an opening created during surgery that allows stool to exit the body through the abdomen and into a pouch. Some ostomies are temporary, while others are permanent, depending on the condition and the type of surgery.