Finding out you need colon surgery can be stressful, but residents of Frederick, Maryland, can rely on Michael Winton, MD, FACS, of Foris Surgical Group for compassionate and highly skilled care. If you’d like to explore what to expect with colon surgery, call the office to schedule a consultation or use the easy online scheduling tool to find a time that fits your busy life.
Your colon, also commonly called the large intestine or large bowel, is an organ within your digestive system, which is the group of organs that process food into energy. Your colon performs the final processing of the food you eat before it moves into your rectum in preparation to leave the body as waste.
Once the food is broken down in your stomach, and most nutrients are extracted by the small bowel (small intestine), the remaining liquid particles move into your colon. Water is extracted, and bacteria in the colon go to work to further break down the material before it moves into the rectum.
Colon surgery is a treatment option for numerous types of damage and disease that affect this part of your digestive system. In most cases, the team at Foris Surgical Group will recommend more conservative treatments before moving forward with surgery.
Removing cancerous tissue is a primary focus of colon surgery. However, treating colorectal cancer is not the only reason you might need this type of treatment.
Some additional reasons for colon surgery include:
Your practitioner will advise you on which surgical approach offers the best path to relief for your unique set of symptoms. In some cases, a portion of your colon can be removed and the remaining ends can be attached to preserve normal function. In other instances, a colostomy creates an opening in your abdomen where waste can be eliminated from your body.
Everyone has a unique experience with colon surgery. Your recovery process is largely determined by the type of surgery you have, the extent of tissue removal, and your overall health.
During your initial consultation, you’ll discuss what to expect in terms of recovery time. Your specialist can advise you on steps you can take to ease the recovery process. Adhering to these instructions is a key part of a successful recovery.
Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed, especially if you are given antibiotics. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines in terms of limiting physical exertion and shaping your diet in the days and weeks after your procedure.
If you have additional questions or concerns about colon surgery, schedule a visit at Foris Surgical Group at your earliest convenience. Appointments can be booked online or over the phone, so don’t delay.