Colon Surgery Types at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute in Birmingham, AL

Colon Surgery for Treating Ulcerative Colitis, Colorectal Disorders & Cancer

Colorectal surgery can be a frightening possibility, especially when used as a treatment option for colorectal cancer – often referred to as colon cancer – but it can also be a treatment option for other types of colorectal and anorectal disorders. 

At Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute located in Birmingham, Alabama, we understand the difficulty of just making an appointment to see a colon and rectal specialist. Many people are embarrassed when it comes to issues with the colon, anus, and rectum, but we are here to make your appointment as simple and embarrassment-free as possible. 

Types of Surgery Available at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute

Our colon and rectal specialists at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute provide a variety of surgical procedures to address colorectal cancer, colon disorders, and anorectal disorders. These procedures are options for diseases of the large intestine and the broader digestive tract, and most can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery and minimally invasive colectomy approaches. These surgeries include: 

• Colectomy surgery/colon resection surgery for colon cancer treatment, polyps, and related conditions

• Surgery for Diverticulitis

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Surgery, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis (J-Pouch)

• Surgery for Rectal Prolapse

• Colostomy, which in some cases may require a permanent colostomy when bowel reconnection is not appropriate

Anorectal operations include:

• Trans Anal Excision

• Hemorrhoidectomy

• Anorectal abscess and fistula

• Repair of anal fissure or stenosis

Find Colorectal Surgery & Treatment in Birmingham, Alabama

Are you suffering from colorectal or anorectal disorders or cancer? Our office is conveniently located in Birmingham, Alabama, to provide the highest quality treatment and care.

We aren’t called “The Butt Hutt” for nothing! We understand the difficulty of simply scheduling an appointment to see a colon and rectal specialist, which is why we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Our credentials speak for themselves – we are highly qualified – and we want to ensure that our patients are comfortable when they come into our office. 

Schedule an Appointment at the Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute

Discover why we’re known as The Butt Hutt here in Birmingham! Our colon and rectal specialists are here to alleviate pain and provide treatment for any colorectal or anorectal disorders or issues you may be experiencing. 

Find an end to your suffering at Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute. Schedule an appointment via telephone at (205) 458-5000 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of colon surgery?

The type of colon surgery depends on the location and extent of diseased tissue and the surgical approach. Common procedures include right hemicolectomy, which removes the ascending colon and part of the transverse colon; sigmoid colectomy for disease in the sigmoid colon; lower anterior resection; total colectomy; and laparoscopic colectomy. Unlike procedures that may also involve the descending colon, each is based on the exact area affected. Lower anterior resection removes the diseased portion of the rectum and may be used in some cases of rectal cancer. Total colectomy removes the entire colon while usually leaving the rectum intact.

What is the difference between laparoscopic surgery and open colon surgery?

Laparoscopic colon surgery uses several small incisions, often about a quarter inch wide, and a camera to provide a magnified view of the internal organs. Surgeons insert surgical instruments through these small incisions into the abdominal cavity. An open colectomy is the traditional approach that uses a larger abdominal incision to provide direct access to the colon. Your surgeon will determine which approach is appropriate based on your condition and surgical needs.

What happens during a colon resection surgery?

During a colon resection surgery, the surgeon performs resection surgery to remove diseased or damaged sections of the colon; this colon resection may reconnect healthy bowel through an anastomosis when it is considered safe to do so. When surgery is done for cancer, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed for examination.

How long does recovery take after colon surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure, surgical approach, and individual health factors. Patients typically have a hospital stay of a few days after surgery, with additional recovery at home. In appropriate cases, patients may leave the hospital a few days after laparoscopic colectomy surgery. Recovery at home after this procedure often lasts a couple of weeks, depending on the operation and overall health. Most patients can eat solid food within a few days, and bowel function often returns within about 3 days after right hemicolectomy, so they can pass stool normally again. Laparoscopic surgery may allow for a shorter recovery compared with traditional open surgery, while traditional colon surgery often requires about 6 weeks of recovery before patients return to normal activity and solid food is fully tolerated.

What are the possible risks of colon surgery?

Like other major surgeries, colon surgery can involve potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anastomotic leaks, adhesions, and ileus, which can temporarily delay the return of normal bowel function; in some cases, lower anterior resection for rectal cancer may also lead to fecal incontinence. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery, sometimes causing tissues or organs to stick together and contribute to bowel blockage or trouble when you pass stool.

What is an ostomy and when is it needed?

An ostomy creates an opening called a stoma through the abdominal wall to allow waste to leave the body. A colostomy uses the colon, while an ileostomy brings the end of the small intestine through the abdominal wall. An ostomy may be recommended when reconnecting the bowel is not considered safe or appropriate. Some ostomies are temporary, while others may be a permanent colostomy, depending on the surgery and whether reconnection can be done safely.