Some of the more common conditions we treat

Hernias

Weakened areas of the abdominal wall, including umbilical area and around stomas from a current or previous ostomy. Hernias usually present with a painful protrusion of that area and many elective hernia repairs can be done laparoscopically.

Constipation

A colonoscopy is a procedure that helps to find ulcers, tumors, or colon polyps. Your doctor will look at the inner lining of your large intestine using a thin tube called a colonoscope. This test can also be done to check for cancerous growths in the colon of rectum. Before a colonoscopy, you will need to prep for 1 to 2 days. This is a clear liquid diet that will cause you to use the bathroom often.

Colonoscopy

Weakened areas of the abdominal wall, including umbilical area and around stomas from a current or previous ostomy. Hernias usually present with a painful protrusion of that area and many elective hernia repairs can be done laparoscopically.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two of the most common types of inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms include diarrhea and bleeding during bowel movements. Younger patients are usually affected by this more than those who are older.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is caused by inflammation of diverticula, pockets within the colon wall. Diverticulitis can cause pain, fevers, chills, as well as serious complications such as perforation, abscess and sepsis. The treatment of Diverticulitis depends on the extent of the disease and symptoms. Non-surgical treatment, including antibiotics, and change of diet can be attempted in mild cases. In severe disease surgery is commonly.

Colon and Rectal Polyps

Polyps are growths that arise from the lining of the intestine. Many polyps are benign, however the potential for polyps to develop into a malignancy is well known. There are usually no symptoms, however some can cause bleeding, change in bowel function and mucus discharge.

Colon And Rectal Cancers

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. Colorectal cancer can occur at any age, however most commonly is seen in patients over 40. Colorectal cancer can be preventable with screening tests, including colonoscopies. Many patients don’t experience any symptoms of colorectal cancer, however others face symptoms like change in bowel movements, blood in stool, gas, bloating, weight loss and fatigue.

Some of the more common conditions we treat

Hemorrhoids

Millions of Americans suffer from hemorrhoids. They usually occur after the age of 30. Hemorrhoids are enlarged vascular cushions in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoids can occur when there is a great deal of pressure on the rectal veins. Other causes are pregnancy, chronic constipation, aging, and straining during bowel movements. Common symptoms include bleeding, itching or sensitive lumps.

Rectal Prolapse

This is a condition where the rectum protrudes outside the anus. This condition occurs more commonly in women can usually be corrected surgically. There are both abdominal and rectal procedures that can be done and the decision for which treatment option will require detailed discussion with your surgeon to evaluate which procedure is best for each individual.

Anal Warts

These are little, spots or growths around the inside of the anus. They usually are not painful, however they may grow overtime. Anal warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They need to be removed or they can lead to an increased risk for cancer.

Anal Fissures

Anal Fissures are small tears in the skin that lines the opening of the anus. Typical symptoms are severe pain during and after a bowel movement.

Anal Cancer

Anal cancers are usually tumors in the lining of the anus. Over 90% of anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). When detected early, anal cancer is usually curable. Besides HPV, there are other risk factors:

  • Age ( Most Likely People 55yrs+ )
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Smoking
  • Weak immune systems
  • Chronic inflammation
Anal Cancer is treated with either surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. If you suffer from symptoms like bleeding from the anus, persistent itching, swollen glands in the anus, narrowing of stool or change in bowel movements, you should see your physician.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal Incontinence is accidental bowel movements. This is very common, especially among elders. Non surgical treatments are available including a change in diet or certain medications, however there are surgical options for some cases.

Anal Fistulas

Anal Fistulas – Otherwise known as fistula-in-ano, usually results from a history of an abscess or recurrent abscesses. A fistula is a tunnel that connects between the abscess cavity and either the skin or near the anus. It is also commonly see in Crohn’s disease, malignancy, as well as other etiologies. Surgery is usually necessary to treat anal fistulas.

Pruritis Ani

Pruritis Ani is itching around the anal area. There are a lot of things that can cause this, like moisture, certain foods, smoking or drinking. A physician can usually identify the cause for the itching.