Colon Surgery

As long as your colon is performing its job, you don’t think much about it. But serious colon problems can occur, particularly as you grow older.

Common Colon Problems
· Polyps: Polyps are growths on the inside of the colon wall that vary in size and shape from that of a pea to that of a mushroom. Some polyps can become cancerous. In many cases, polyps produce no symptoms. In other cases, they bleed or cause cramps or constipation.

· Diverticula: Increased pressure in the colon from trapped gas or ongoing constipation may push out one or more pockets called diverticula. These usually develop in weak areas next to the colon’s blood vessels. People with diverticula are said to have diverticulosis. Sometimes stool gets trapped in one of these pockets, causing infection and inflammation. This condition is called diverticulitis. An attack of diverticulitis is characterized by intermittent pain usually in the lower left abdomen, as well as constipation and sometimes fever

.· Tumors: A tumor is an abnormal growth of normal cells in the lining of the colon. Tumors inside the colon are usually malignant, or cancerous. Cancer grow for years before any symptoms appear. The cure rate is greatly improved if the cancer can be detected through routine screening exams before symptoms appear.

Symptoms of Colon Problems:
Tumors, diverticula, and polyps can cause the following symptoms that may be the first signal that a colon disorder exists.

· Bleeding: Bleeding from the colon is often from the surface of a tumor that has broken open. It can also occur when a diverticulum erodes a nearby blood vessel. Depending on the location and amount of bleeding, it can vary in color from bright red to maroon or black. Never assume rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is from hemorrhoids, even if you know you have them.

· Obstruction: Large polyps, tumors, twisting (known as a volvulus) and inflamed diverticulum may partially or totally block the passage of stool through the colon. Constipation (or at times diarrhea), gas pains, rectal bleeding, and abdominal bloating result.

· Perforation: An inflamed diverticulum or one under pressure can burst. Bacteria, which are always present in the colon, can then leak through the perforation into the abdominal cavity and cause infection or other complications. Sudden pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting are common signs. Hospitalization and surgery are almost always required.

Colon surgery is recommended to remove tumors, large or hard to reach polyps, or diverticula that are causing severe symptoms. In some cases, surgery is necessary to determine whether a growth is cancerous. If the surgery is to remove a tumor or abnormal growth, lymph nodes in the mesentery will be sent to the lab, along with the tumor or growth, to determine if cancer is present and/or if it has spread. Other organs such as the liver will be examined to determine if there is any cancerous involvement also.