Healthcare services span many realms so that every area of the body can be cared for separately and with the utmost care. Even though the lower digestive system isn’t the most exciting specialty to most people, colorectal doctors have spent their lives studying and focusing on this area. These doctors are highly important, as their talents can help patients with uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous conditions. Let’s take a look at some common questions, including “what does colorectal mean,” and “what does a colorectal surgeon do?”
What Does Colorectal Mean?
This word is a combination of the two terms “colon” and “rectal.” “Colon”, in this case, refers to the large intestine, while “rectal” refers to the rectum - the very end of the digestive tract. The term “colorectal,” then, refers to the following parts of the body: the large intestine, the rectum, the pelvic floor, the anus, and the area surrounding the anus. When you visit a colorectal specialist, you are visiting someone who specializes in the anatomy of and conditions that affect this area of the body.
What Conditions Does a Colorectal Specialist Treat?
In general, a colorectal doctor can help you diagnose and treat any condition related to the lower half of your bowels. Some of the most common conditions colorectal specialists treat include:
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Diverticulitis
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (such as Crohn’s disease & Ulcerative colitis)
Chronic constipation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Do Colorectal Specialists Do Surgery?
The majority of colorectal doctors are also surgeons; however, some practices may have in-house registered nurses who help diagnose patients and refer them to surgeons if necessary. If you visit a highly specialized clinic like the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, you won’t have to travel between offices for surgery and consults for surgery.
What Does a Colorectal Surgeon Do?
Some of the conditions listed above cannot be remedied solely with lifestyle and diet changes. In these scenarios, surgery can often help. For example, a colorectal surgeon can help you drain and fix pilonidal cysts; they can also remove any small, cancerous tumors found in your colon, rectum, or anus. Your colorectal specialist can also help you with things like IBS treatment and detecting the early signs of colon cancer.
Where Can I Find a Colorectal Doctor in Tampa Bay?
If you’re looking for colorectal services in Tampa Bay, we can help. Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, our professional colorectal specialists can help you get a diagnosis and get the relief you need. Whether you’re struggling with hemorrhoids, looking for IBS treatment, or have picked up on some of the early signs of colon cancer, we’re here to help you. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.