A colorectal surgeon Singapore can perform a wide range of procedures. These may be operations to address concerns of the colon or perhaps ones targeting the rectum and anus.
If you want to learn more about the kinds of procedures these medical professionals offer, read on. We’ve listed some of the most common ones they perform below.
1. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are typically used as diagnostic procedures. In other words, they’re procedures designed to help doctors find the cause of an issue, symptom, or injury.
A colonoscopy does this by offering a doctor a direct way to see the entire colon. This is done by inserting a flexible tube with a tiny camera into the patient through the rectum.
Colonoscopies are often used to detect problems like colorectal cancer, polyps, and ulcers. They are also day surgeries and generally require only mild sedation.
2. Colonic Polypectomy
Colonic polypectomies are often carried out during colonoscopies when risky polyps are found during the latter procedure. This refers to polyps that have a chance of turning cancerous.
When such polyps are discovered, the general recommendation is to remove them as soon as possible. A colonic polypectomy does that, either through cold-snare or hot-snare methods.
In a cold-snare procedure, a wire is used to cut away the polyp. In hot-snare ones, the wire is heated and electrocautery is applied. Generally, cold-snare is recommended for small polyps while hot-snare is used for bigger ones.
3. Colon Resection
This is also called a colectomy, and it involves removing part of or all of the colon. It is typically performed as a treatment for diseases such as colorectal cancer or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
The operation can be performed laparoscopically nowadays to minimise the size of the incision and speed up recovery. The typical preference is for partial instead of complete resection, because most doctors want to retain continuity of the bowels.
When a partial resection is performed, the doctor simply removes the damaged or diseased part. The remaining healthy sections are then connected to each other.
4. Proctectomy
A proctectomy refers to the removal of part of or all of the rectum, the last section of the large intestine. Like colon resection, it’s often used as a treatment for cancer (in this case, rectal) or IBD.
This is a major procedure performed under general anaesthesia for most patients. It can take anywhere from 1 to 7 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Some patients also find themselves able to leave the hospital just a few days after, whereas others must stay for a week. Because of the effect the procedure has on the digestive system, they are also usually asked to follow a modified diet while healing.
5. Haemorrhoidectomy
Haemorrhoidectomies are performed by colorectal surgeons in Singapore to treat haemorrhoids. In this surgery, the doctor removes either internal or external piles (the other name for haemorrhoids).
There are several possible approaches to these, with both traditional excision and laser options being available. Colorectal surgeons assess their patients and their condition before recommending a specific way over another.
It is worth noting, however, that haemorrhoidectomies are not immediately recommended for all types of haemorrhoids. For example, most doctors will only recommend that this procedure be attempted after more conservative treatment options have failed.
Another situation in which the procedure may be suggested is when the patient’s piles have begun to reach complications or are at III or IV on the haemorrhoid grading scale. These indicate a severe condition that should be addressed as soon as possible.
