Colon and rectal surgery
Our digestive system is complex — each stage of the process helps us transform the food we eat into energy that we use to live, work, play, grow and heal. After food has been broken down and stripped of the nutrients we need, it passes into the colon (the large intestine) and eventually the rectum, where it will exit the body. Sometimes problems arise that affect the functioning of these two organs.
In many cases, colorectal conditions can be treated with lifestyle changes such as diet modification, but sometimes surgery is needed. Our surgeons work closely with you to evaluate the problem and develop a treatment plan that brings symptom relief and improves your quality of life.
Conditions we treat
Colorectal surgery can be an effective way to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Colon and rectal cancers
- Diverticulitis — inflammation of small pouches (called diverticula) in the colon
- Hemorrhoids — swollen veins in the anus or rectum
- Pelvic floor problems, including prolapse — where tissues that support the bladder and uterus weaken, causing the organs to drop below their normal position
- Inflammatory bowel disease — conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that cause chronic inflammation and pain
Types of colorectal surgery
MultiCare surgeons perform a variety of procedures to support your colorectal health:
Bowel (colon) resection. A surgeon removes the damaged part of the colon to lessen symptoms and improve overall health, and then joins the remaining healthy sections together.
Hemorrhoid surgery. To shrink the hemorrhoid and relieve discomfort, a surgeon may cut off blood flow to it using staples, chemical injections, a laser or rubber-band placement. In some cases, the hemorrhoid may be removed altogether.
Pelvic floor reconstruction. During this procedure, organs that have prolapsed (shifted below where they should be due to weakened muscles) are returned to their natural position and then surgically reinforced so they remain in place.
Total colectomy. When cases of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are advanced or severe, the entire colon may need to be removed.
Depending on your particular circumstances, your surgeon may perform open colorectal surgery, where a single large incision is made, or opt for minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery. With this approach, a surgeon makes multiple small incisions and uses the robotic arms of the da Vinci Surgical System to perform the procedure. Learn more about robotic-assisted surgery.
Leaders in colorectal cancer care
Did you know colorectal cancer is often treatable with surgery or other approaches when it’s caught early? Patients can access state-of-the-art care and advanced treatment options for colorectal cancer in locations across the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about colorectal cancer care at MultiCare.
Prevent colorectal cancer with regular screening
The American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk start regular screening at age 45. People at increased risk may need to start screening earlier. Take our colorectal cancer risk assessment to find out if you should be tested for colorectal cancer.