Surgery of the colon and rectum

Diverticula and diverticulosis

Diverticula are small outpouchings of the colon wall that become more common with increasing age. Most people with diverticula have no symptoms and do not need surgery. Sometimes, however, diverticula cause recurring digestive complaints and abdominal pain. A change in diet often helps in such cases.

Diverticulitis

If diverticula become inflamed, fever and severe abdominal pain can occur. Milder cases can be treated with medication and diet; in severe cases, surgery is necessary. Diverticula can also lead to intestinal bleeding, which can become dangerous.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer affects the colon (colon carcinoma) or the rectum (rectal carcinoma). Changes in bowel habits, digestive problems and blood in the stool can be first signs – but in the early stages, bowel cancer causes no symptoms. That is why regular screening colonoscopy is so important.

Precursors and early stages can sometimes be removed during the colonoscopy itself. In advanced cases, part of the bowel usually has to be removed surgically.

The operation

As a surgeon specialising in minimally invasive abdominal surgery, I perform most colon operations laparoscopically: a camera and fine instruments are inserted through small incisions, and the operation is performed while watching the monitor. Large abdominal incisions can usually be avoided.

I attach particular importance to the fast-track concept: you are mobilised as quickly as possible after the operation, and bowel function gets going again quickly.

And the surgical robot?

For most colon operations, the surgical robot offers no advantage over keyhole technique. In complex cases, however, such as rectal cancer in the narrow pelvis, the Da Vinci system can be helpful. More on robotic surgery

Frequently asked questions