Intestine: colorectal surgery
A healthy gut is the basis of our well-being. The intestine has more nerve cells than the spinal cord and is referred to as the second brain of the human being.
In colorectal surgery, we treat diseases of the small intestine, large intestine and rectum. Unfortunately, these are quite common and can quickly become dangerous. Inflammations, tumors or functional disorders can occur. The diseases are often very stressful. The team at Swiss1Surgery has many years of experience and a high level of expertise in this exciting field. We offer all procedures – including highly specialized operations, which may only be performed in a few clinics in Switzerland.
Which intestinal diseases are common?
Diverticulitis
Diverticula are protrusions of the intestinal wall and are usually located in the lower part of the colon, in the sigmoid colon. Diverticula are very common with increasing age, but they also occur in younger patients. Diverticula are usually asymptomatic and do not need to be treated. However, they can become inflamed, in which case they are referred to as diverticulitis.
Diverticulitis often heals without treatment or with a few days of antibiotics. Sometimes, however, a complicated inflammation develops with an abscess or intestinal perforation. Emergency surgery is then often necessary.
Even if diverticulitis occurs repeatedly, the affected section of bowel should be surgically removed after a few episodes.
Polyps and bowel cancer
Polyps are benign tumors in the bowel. If they can be removed during a colonoscopy, no further treatment is required. Polyps can grow into malignant tumors over time, which must then be operated on. If diagnosed in good time, the chances of recovery through surgery are very good.
Appendicitis
One of the most common operations on the bowel is the removal of the appendix. Appendicitis can occur at any age, from infants to the elderly. Pain in the lower right abdomen is typical. The diagnosis is made by a good examination, a laboratory check and an ultrasound of the abdomen. The operation should then take place as quickly as possible to prevent the appendix from bursting.
Diarrhea or constipation
Both symptoms are very common and are an expression of a disturbance in bowel function. This may be due to an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Malnutrition or intolerances can also be the cause. However, bowel activity is generally very different and varies from person to person. The range of “normal” digestion extends from one bowel movement per week to 5 bowel movements per day. In addition to a bacterial examination of the stool, a colonoscopy is often useful. Surgery is only very rarely necessary.
How is bowel surgery performed?
We practically always operate on the bowel laparoscopically, i.e. using the keyhole technique. This method is gentler than open surgery with a large incision.
In the case of benign diseases, the diseased section of the intestine is removed and the two ends are closed again with a suture. In the case of malignant tumors, the feeding vessels and lymphatic channels must be removed in addition to the affected section of bowel in order to remove all tumor cells.
In the case of tumors far down in the large intestine (rectum or rectum), an artificial anus must sometimes be temporarily inserted for a few weeks to allow the intestinal suture to heal properly.
An operation on the small or large intestine takes between ½ to 3 hours, the hospital stay 3-6 days. Operations on the rectum take a little longer.
What are the symptoms of intestinal diseases?
In addition to abdominal pain, inflammation is often accompanied by a general feeling of illness as well as fever, diarrhea or vomiting.
Benign and malignant tumors can cause blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements or abdominal cramps and vomiting. However, tumors often have no symptoms for a very long time.
Functional disorders can lead to constipation, diarrhea, flatulence or difficulty defecating.
What diagnostic options are there?
The most important thing is a detailed medical consultation and examination of the abdomen as well as a laboratory blood test. A colonoscopy is often necessary to detect tumors or certain inflammations. This is recommended for all people aged 50 and over, even without symptoms, in order to detect bowel cancer at an early stage.
Other examinations of the intestine include ultrasound of the abdomen, computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These can detect inflammation, diverticula or intestinal tumors.