Abdominal Surgery

The Colon & Rectal Surgery team performs all of the following abdominal surgeries to relieve symptoms and heal numerous colon and rectal diseases and conditions.

Abdominoperineal Resection - During an abdominoperineal resection (APR), the rectum is removed. After this surgery, patients will have a permanent colostomy. This surgery is performed for cancer of the rectum in addition to inflammatory bowel disease that does not respond to other medical treatments.

Abdominal Surgery for Rectal Prolapse - There are a number of abdominal procedures for rectal prolapse. These procedures generally involve removal of a portion of the large bowel and the use of sutures or prosthetic mesh to "pex" the rectum. An open or laparoscopic approach, depending on various factors, may be performed.

Colon Resection - During a colon resection, the diseased portion of the colon is removed, and the healthy ends are sewn back together. This surgery is performed for diverticular disease, cancer, trauma, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Creation of Ileostomy or Colostomy - This surgical procedure creates an opening in the abdominal wall to remove solid waste. The opening is called a stoma or ostomy. An ileostomy is created from the small intestine when both the colon and rectum are removed. A colostomy is created from the colon and is performed when only the rectum is removed. After the surgery, patients wear a small bag attached to their body to collect the waste. The bag is odorless, not visible when wearing clothes, and typically does not limit patients' ability to lead an active life. Click here for support group information.

Ileoanal Pouch Procedure - This procedure is often performed in stages and involves removal of the colon and rectum with preservation of the sphincter muscles, creation of a new rectum (J-pouch) and temporary ileostomy.

Low Anterior Resection - During this procedure, surgeons remove the rectum and connect the colon to the anus. Sometimes there is the need for a temporary ileostomy. The procedure is typically performed on patients who have rectal cancer.

Small Bowel Resection - The diseased portion of the small bowel is removed and the two healthy ends are sewn back together. This surgery may be performed to remove tumors, narrowed areas of the small bowel, or areas affected by inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn's disease.

Total Abdominal Colectomy - During a total colectomy, the entire colon is removed and sometimes, the rectum. After this surgery, patients will have an ileostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen through which bodily waste enters a pouch. This surgery is most commonly performed for ulcerative colitis, familial polyposis or Crohn's disease.