Colorectal Surgery is a surgical subspecialty that focuses on the colon, rectum, and anus, also known as the lower GI tract. Examples of procedures performed by a colorectal surgeon include removal of a portion of the colon) for disease processes such as diverticulitis, colorectal, cancer, endometriosis of the bowel, and inflammatory bowel disease. Colorectal surgeons also perform colostomy reversals, J-pouch surgery, and colonoscopy and treat anorectal diseases (also known as proctology) such as hemorrhoids, fissures, and fistulas.

Colorectal Surgeons receive additional training after completing residency training in general surgery, According to the American Cancer Society, the chances of having Colorectal Cancer are about 1 in 23 (4.3%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.0%) for women in the United States. While general surgery involves a wider breadth of procedures, colorectal surgery focuses specifically on disease processes and procedures involving the lower GI tract (colon, rectum and anus).

While all surgical procedures carry a risk of complications, the benefit of an operation must always outweigh the possibility risks. Your surgeon should always explain the risks and benefits of any procedure before signing a surgical consent form. All surgical procedures carry a risk of pain, bleeding, infection and injury to nearby organs and body parts. Risks specific to colorectal surgery include:

1. Injury the to colon or small bowel 
2. Leaking around new bowel connections (aka anastomotic leak) 
3. Intraabdominal infection or Post-operative
4. Post operative ileus (temporary paralysis of intestinal  
5. Urinary retention 
6. Blood clots (aka deep vein thrombosis, DVT) 

Preoperative Care: 

1. Do not eat after midnight. 
2. No smoking or drinking. 
3. Be sure to follow doctor's orders and take all medications as prescribed. 

Postoperative Care: 

1. Any questions or concerns after surgery, be sure to ask. 
2. You must walk at least 5 times a day and eat all the meals sitting in a chair. 
3. We encourage patients not to lift anything heavier than 20 lbs. for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Patients can return to normal activity sooner after minimally invasive surgery. 
4. There are usually no dietary restrictions unless specified by your surgeon. 
5. It is usually ok to shower after the first 48 hours post-op. 
6. No soaking in the tub for at least 2 weeks after surgery. 

Depending on the diagnosis and the operation proposed, a typical colorectal procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours.


Anorectic procedures are less involved and take approximately 15-30 minutes. Colonoscopies take 15 minutes to an hour depending on what is found during the procedure.

 6. How long is a hospital stay after colorectal surgery?

The field of colorectal surgery has evolved over the past decade to incorporate an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. The ERAS protocol has been shown to reduce post operative pain, surgical site infections and hospital length of stay. With the addition of minimally invasive surgery, patients can often be ready to leave the hospital within 24 hours after surgery. Other situations may require a hospital stay up to 7 days. Most patients will be stable for discharge between 2-5 days after surgery.

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