Colorectal Surgery

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Colorectal surgery treats diseases and conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus. The goal of colorectal surgery is to improve your digestive health and quality of life. When medications or lifestyle changes aren’t enough to manage your condition, surgery offers a targeted approach.

When to See a Colorectal Surgeon

A colorectal surgeon may recommend surgery for several conditions, such as:

What Happens During Surgery

Once you’ve met with your surgeon in the clinic and determined the best procedure for your digestive condition, your care team will walk you through what comes next.

Before heading to the operating room, you’ll meet with your anesthesiologist and surgical team to discuss the plan and answer any questions. Most colorectal procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and while surgery focuses on resolving your specific condition, many entail removing a small, diseased portion of the colon to ensure the best outcome.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Colorectal Surgery Explained

Modern technology has improved how colon procedures are performed. Many patients now benefit from minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic techniques), which lead to smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery. Your surgical team will determine the best approach based on your specific needs.

Colon Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery time after colon surgery varies based on the procedure performed and your health going into surgery. Patients who have a minimally invasive operation, such as laparoscopic or robotic, usually stay in the hospital for two to five days. This allows your care team to ensure you’re healing well before heading home.

For more extensive or traditional open surgeries, a longer hospital stay is necessary. In these cases, patients can expect to remain in the hospital for five to ten days.

What to Expect After Colon Surgery

As you heal, there are several steps you can take to support your progress after colorectal surgery:

  • Attend all scheduled follow-up visits with your colorectal surgeon to ensure your healing is on track.
  • Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks to allow your body time to mend.
  • Gradually return to your normal eating habits as your digestive system adjusts.
  • Walk as soon as possible, and often, after your abdominal surgery. It helps stimulate your intestines, encouraging them to wake up and begin processing food and gas again, which prevents discomfort and bloating.

Will I Need a Colostomy Bag?

Some patients need an ostomy (a bag) post-surgery — a discreet, hygienic pouch attached to the stoma on the outside of your body. These ostomies are most often reversible.

Common Types of Colorectal Surgery Performed

The right surgical approach depends on your diagnosis, the location of the disease and your overall health. Common types of colorectal surgery include:

Anal Fissure and Abscess Treatment
Anal Fissure and Abscess Treatment: Beyond hemorrhoids, surgeons provide specialized care for painful anal fissures or infections (abscesses) that require drainage or surgical repair.
Fistula Repair
Fistula Repair: This treatment addresses abnormal tunnels that form between the anal canal and surrounding skin, helping the area heal properly and preventing future infections.
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hemorrhoidectomy: Recommended when hemorrhoids don’t respond to other treatments and cause persistent pain, bleeding or prolapse.
Partial colectomy
Partial colectomy: A surgeon removes only the affected part of the colon. The two healthy ends are carefully reconnected (a process called an anastomosis) to allow for normal bowel function. This is the most common approach for treating colon cancer or localized diverticulitis.
Polyp Removal Surgery
Polyp Removal Surgery: While most polyps are removed during a colonoscopy, larger or more complex polyps sometimes require surgical removal to ensure they’re safely and completely taken out of the colon.
Proctectomy
Proctectomy: Part or all of the rectum is removed. It’s frequently used as the primary treatment for rectal cancer to ensure the diseased tissue is fully addressed.
Total colectomy
Total colectomy: The entire colon is removed. In these cases, a condition impacts the colon's full length or multiple areas are affected. It’s most often recommended for severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis and some inherited conditions that increase the risk of cancer.

FAQs

Can diverticulitis be cured with surgery?
In certain cases, surgery can prevent future diverticulitis attacks. This typically involves removing the portion of the colon affected by repeated inflammation or infection.
Can you live a normal life after colon surgery?
Most patients return to normal daily activities after recovery. When surgery treats localized conditions such as early-stage cancer or diverticulitis, long-term outcomes are typically positive.
Do all colon cancers require surgery?
Surgery is the primary treatment for most colon cancers, especially when caught early. Depending on the stage and spread of the cancer, your care team may also recommend additional treatments, like chemotherapy, to ensure the best long-term outcome.
How common is colorectal surgery?
Colorectal procedures are performed frequently in the United States. They’re commonly used to treat colon cancer, diverticulitis and large colon polyps, making them one of the most common types of abdominal surgery.
How long does it take to recover from colorectal surgery?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health. Many patients return to normal daily activities within two to six weeks, especially after minimally invasive surgery.
Is robotic colorectal surgery safe?
Robotic colorectal surgery is widely used and considered safe and effective. The robotic system provides enhanced precision, better visualization and improved control during minimally invasive procedures.
What are the warning signs you might need colon surgery?
Warning signs include persistent abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, recurring or severe diverticulitis, bleeding from the rectum, colon cancer or large colon polyps.
What conditions require colorectal surgery?
Colorectal surgery is used to treat conditions affecting the colon and rectum. Common reasons include colon cancer, rectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), large colon polyps, rectal prolapse and severe hemorrhoids.
What foods should you avoid after colon surgery?
After colon surgery, patients are often advised to avoid high-fiber, greasy foods and heavily processed foods. A gradual return to a normal diet usually occurs as healing progresses.
What is the success rate of colorectal surgery?
Success rates vary depending on the condition being treated, but colorectal surgery generally has very good outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to higher success rates and improved long-term health.
When can I eat normal food after colon surgery?
Start with clear liquids and slowly transition to a low-fiber, soft food diet to give your digestive system time to heal. Most patients return to their regular eating habits within four to six weeks, following your surgeon’s guidance. The goal is to gradually reintroduce solid foods to ensure your body tolerates them comfortably.
Will I need a colostomy after colon surgery?
Most patients don’t require a permanent colostomy. While a temporary ostomy is sometimes used to allow the bowel to rest and heal, your surgeon's goal is always to reconnect the healthy ends of the colon whenever possible.

Why Choose UnityPoint Health?

UnityPoint Health offers expert colorectal surgery close to home, with board-certified surgeons who specialize in treating conditions ranging from colon cancer, diverticulitis, IBD and rectal prolapse. Our team uses the latest minimally invasive and robotic techniques to minimize pain and speed up recovery. From your first consultation through post-surgical follow-up, we work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan built around your diagnosis and health goals. With convenient locations in Iowa and Illinois and a coordinated care team guiding every step, UnityPoint Health gives you access to high-quality, specialized surgical care without traveling far from home.