Anorectal Surgery

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

Abscess/Fistula Surgery - A number of treatments are available for anal fistulas depending on patient factors and the relation of the fistula to the anal sphincter. These include fistulotomy (which involves cutting a small portion of the anal sphincter to open the tunnel and converting the tunnel into a groove that will then heal from within outward), placement of a seton, endorectal flap, fistula plug, and injection of fibrin glue.

Anal Surgery for Rectal Prolapse - A number of anal procedures are available for rectal prolapse. Transanal surgery allows for a quicker recovery, but is generally indicated for older patients.

Hemorrhoidectomy - A surgical procedure in which excessive tissue that causes bleeding and protrusion is removed. The wound is closed with stitches. This procedure is very effective for the removal of external and internal hemorrhoids. Procedure for Prolapsing Hemorrhoids (PPH), otherwise known as hemorrhoid stapling, is a technique that uses a special device to internally staple and excise internal hemorrhoidal tissue. This method does not remove external hemorrhoids.

Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy - This is a surgical procedure used to treat an anal fissure (tear in the anus). It involves cutting a portion of the internal sphincter muscle, decreasing pain and spasm. Another treatment involves the injection of Botox.

Pilonidal Cyst Excision - Treatment of a pilonidal cyst involves surgical excision/unroofing. The wound is often left open and dressings or packing are required. Alternative treatments such as the use of a VAC dressing are sometimes used.

Sphincteroplasty - This is a surgical procedure performed on patients who have a damaged or weakened sphincter muscle and associated fecal incontinence. It consists of re-attaching the muscles to tighten and strengthen the sphincter so it can better retain fecal contents.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS procedure) - This is a minimally invasive procedure which involves removing lesions (polyps and selected cancers of the rectum) through the anus with the use of a specialized proctoscope.

Treatment of Anal Condyloma (Anal Warts) - This involves destruction of warts using electrical cautery, surgical removal, or a combination of the two.