Colon Surgery
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Derek K. Paul, MD, FACS
General Surgeon & Laparoscopic Surgeon & Oncological Surgeon located in Vero Beach, FL
Colon surgery is often needed to remove sections of your colon damaged by conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, and colon cancer. Derek K. Paul MD, FACS, in Vero Beach, Florida, specializes in performing minimally invasive colon surgery. However, Dr. Paul also has extensive experience in open surgery and recommends this type of procedure when that’s the best option for your health. If you have a condition that needs colon surgery, call or book an appointment online to meet Dr. Paul and learn why his patients praise his caring attention along with his surgical skills.
Colon Surgery Q & A
What health conditions may need colon surgery?
Dr. Paul performs colon surgery to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Diverticulitis
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Twisted colon
- Colonic bleeding
- Colon cancer
- Colon polyps
The initial treatments for conditions such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative are non-surgical options such as dietary changes and medications.
Colon problems such as blockages, infections, a twisted colon, and diverticulitis that ruptures often need emergency surgery. Surgery is the first line of treatment for colon polyps and colon cancer.
Can I prevent colon cancer?
Most colon cancers begin in a polyp that grows on the colon wall. Polyps are always benign when they first develop. Over the years, however, they can change and turn malignant.
You can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous or before the cancer spreads beyond the polyp.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting regular colon cancer screening at the age of 45, as long as you have an average risk of developing colon cancer.
You should consider earlier screening if you’re in the high-risk group due to a:
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- Personal history of abdominal radiation treatment
Though you can take a stool test for your initial screening, it only checks for the presence of blood. A colonoscopy is the only way to find and remove polyps. If a polyp isn’t removable during your colonoscopy, you need colon surgery.
What type of colon surgery might I receive?
Dr. Paul may perform the following types of surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The best approach depends on the condition in need of treatment and the severity of the underlying problem.
Colectomy (resection)
During a colectomy, Dr. Paul removes part or all of the colon. He may perform a resection to remove cancer, a blockage, or a diseased area of the colon.
When Dr. Paul only removes a small segment, he can often reconnect the two ends and restore colon function. If he removes a substantial portion of your colon, Dr. Paul performs a partial colectomy, total colectomy, colostomy, or ileostomy procedure to create a way for waste to leave your body.
Polypectomy
Polypectomy, or the removal of polyps in your colon, is usually performed during a colonoscopy. However, it can be an open surgery.
If you need to talk with a colon surgeon or know colon surgery is needed, call Derek K. Paul MD, FACS, or book an appointment online.
