Colorectal surgery

Buderim Private Hospital surgeons Dr John Hansen and Dr David Colledge wear blue scrubs as they stand beside the da Vinci robot

Comprehensive range of bowel surgery

Colorectal surgeons are specially trained to diagnose and treat intestinal conditions. This includes cancerous and noncancerous conditions of the bowel, colon, rectum and anus.

At Buderim Private Hospital, our team of experienced surgeons specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal and rectal disorders, such as:

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer).
Diverticular disease.
Inflammatory bowel disease.
Polyps.
Warts.
Haemorrhoids.
Faecal incontinence.
Anal fissure and fistulae.

We provide a comprehensive range of surgical procedures, as well as endoscopic screening and therapeutic options. We are committed to providing comprehensive screening, diagnosis, treatment and post-operative care in a comfortable environment, right here on the Sunshine Coast.

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Colorectal surgery

Colorectal concerns
There are many colorectal concerns that may require surgery. Some of the most common include:
- Colon cancer: Malignant cells formed in colon tissue. Signs of colon cancer include blood in the stool or change in bowel habits. Our specialists can diagnose colon cancer through tests that examine the colon and rectum. Test results will help determine the best treatment options.
- Diverticulitis: Small pouches, or sacs, form and push outward through weak spots in the wall of the colon. This sometimes causes abdominal pain and bleeding. Diverticulitis may be treated with medication and a change in diet; however, chronic conditions might require surgery.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as IBD. The former can cause inflammation and irritation in any part of the digestive tract. The latter causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine or colon. Symptoms of IBD vary but can include diarrhoea, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping and unintended weight loss. Treatments also vary and include medicines and bowel surgery.
If you are experiencing colorectal issues, our specialists will help diagnose the problem and develop a course of treatment that best meets your needs.
Types of colorectal surgeries
There are many types of colorectal surgery. Here at Buderim Private Hospital, we utilise modern techniques with minimally invasive procedures. We provide a comprehensive range of surgical procedures, including:
- Colectomy: Removal of all or part of the large intestine. Specific procedures include segmental colectomies, polypectomy, and total colectomy and total proctocolectomy.
- Colostomy: Your surgeon creates a hole in the abdominal wall, and pulls one end of the colon through the hole. This changes the way your body excretes waste and requires a colostomy bag. Colostomy procedures can be temporary or permanent, depending on your condition.
- Endoscopy: A surgical procedure using a scope and a flexible tube with a camera and light. It allows your surgeon to see inside your colon and perform minimally invasive procedures such as removing polyps. This procedure helps with diagnosis of colorectal conditions.
- Haemorrhoidectomy: Surgical procedures to remove haemorrhoids generally recommended only after at-home treatments are ineffective. Specific types of haemorrhoidectomy include rubber band ligation and stapled haemorrhoidectomy.
- Internal sphincterotomy: Performed to treat fissures. A small incision is made in the internal anal sphincter to reduce pressure on the muscle. This helps to stop spasms and relax the muscle so fissures can close and heal.
- Bowel resection: A surgical procedure to remove all or part of a diseased tissue. This procedure is used to treat a range of conditions, including cancer, benign tumours, Crohn's disease, ulcers, and polyps.