Colon Surgery

You might require colon surgery if you develop cancerous tumors in your large intestine or have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). General surgeon Dr. Jeremy Juern in Roseville, California, specializes in providing high-quality surgery to patients with colon cancer and IBD, using minimally invasive techniques wherever possible. His practice is physician-referral only, so speak to your doctor to request a referral. You can also contact Dr. Juern if you have any questions or concerns before or after your colon surgery.

Why might I need colon surgery?

Your colon (also known as the large bowel or large intestine) is at the end of your digestive system, just before the rectum. You might require colon surgery if you have a serious condition like colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other treatments are unsuitable or ineffective.

Colon cancer most often develops from small growths called polyps in the colon lining. Polyps are usually harmless — many people have them without realizing it and suffer no ill effects. However, certain polyps may mutate and become cancerous.

IBD is a chronic condition that increases your risk of colorectal cancer. Its two primary forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD causes inflammation and ulceration that leads to:

• Rectal bleeding
• Passing pus or mucus
• Chronic diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Abdominal or rectal pain

There’s no cure for IBD, but medications such as mesalamine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics keep the symptoms under control for many patients. Colon surgery is an effective option for those with severe and persistent symptoms.

What does colon surgery involve?

Colon surgery is most likely to involve removing the diseased part of the colon and reconnecting the healthy tissue at either end. Taking out all the affected tissue helps to prevent colon cancer and IBD from recurring. 

Wherever possible, Dr. Jeremy Juern uses minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This approach requires much smaller incisions than open surgery, minimizing tissue damage, blood loss, and complications, and reducing your recovery time. Robot-assisted colon surgery is another option for suitable patients.

Other techniques include transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). TAMIS also uses laparoscopic instruments, but Dr. Jeremy Juern accesses your colon through your anus instead of making incisions in your abdomen.

How do I pass stools after colon surgery?

Depending on how much of your colon and rectum needs removing, you might need a temporary or permanent stoma. A stoma is a hole Dr. Jeremy Juern cuts in your abdomen. A flexible pipe goes through the hole into your intestines, transporting stool to a colostomy bag you wear outside your body.

Many patients only need a stoma while the surgical site heals. Then, Dr. Jeremy Juern removes it and you pass bowel movements through your anus as before.

For highly skilled colon surgery, ask your doctor to refer you to Dr. Jeremy Juern. If you have any questions or concerns before or after your procedure, contact his office today.