Small Intestine & Colon Specialist

What small intestine and colon conditions need surgery?

Many different conditions in your small intestine and colon (large intestine) may need surgery. Examples of common problems that often need surgical repair include:

• Blockages
• Tumors
• Bleeding
• Ulcers
• Infections
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Colon cancer
• Colon polyps
• Twisted colon
  
  

The first line of treatment for conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis includes nonsurgical options such as medications and dietary changes. The other conditions on the list typically need surgery to repair the problem. 

What type of small intestine and colon surgery will I need?

Dr. Madni has extensive experience performing many surgical techniques. For example, you may need a small bowel resection (to remove part of the small intestine), a polypectomy (to remove polyps), or a colectomy (to remove part or all of the colon).

When a small segment of the colon is removed, she can connect the ends to recreate a healthy colon. In other cases, you need a colostomy, ileostomy, or J-pouch procedure to create a way for waste to leave your body.

Will my small intestine and colon surgery be minimally invasive?

Dr. Madni is an expert in minimally invasive procedures and recommends this type of surgery whenever possible. However, some surgeries may require open surgery, depending on the underlying condition, your general health, and whether it’s an emergency.

When performing minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Madni makes a few small incisions. Then she does the procedure using a laparoscope containing a camera and narrow surgical instruments that fit through the tiny openings.

Minimally invasive surgery causes less trauma compared with open surgery. As a result, you have less bleeding, less pain, minimal scarring, and your recovery is quicker.

What is enhanced recovery for small intestine and colon surgery?

Though minimally invasive surgery reduces your healing time, small intestine and colon surgery still take a toll on your body. Dr. Madni accelerates your recovery by following enhanced recovery protocols. Examples of these techniques include:

• Allowing a carbohydrate drink before surgery
• Giving you preoperative medications
• Using epidural rather than general anesthesia when possible
• Giving you post-op nutrition and medications
• Getting you moving as soon as possible
  
  

In addition to reducing your pain and accelerating your recovery, enhanced recovery reduces postoperative complications.

To learn more about small intestine and colon surgery, call Dina Madni, MD, or book an appointment online today.