Treating Rectal Cancer: What Is APR Surgery?

Treating Rectal Cancer: What Is APR Surgery?

Most patients who have been diagnosed with rectal cancer will need some type of surgical procedure to remove the cancerous tissue. For many years, Abdominoperineal resection (APR) was the treatment of choice by colorectal specialists for most patients with rectal cancer. While modern technology has given additional choices for surgical procedures in patients with rectal cancer, APR is still a necessary modality in select patients. Below, we discuss the ins and outs of APR surgery including what it is, how it works, and complications associated with it.

The Difference Between Colon Cancer & Anal Cancer

The Difference Between Colon Cancer & Anal Cancer

Colon cancer and anal cancer might sound, at first, like they are nearly identical; however, these diseases have totally different causes, presentation, and symptoms. Simply put, anal cancer and colon cancer are as different as skin cancer and cervical cancer. In fact, the anus is structurally different tissue than that of the colon; this is only where the distinctions begin.

15 Foods Perfect For A Colon Healthy Diet

15 Foods Perfect For A Colon Healthy Diet

It has often been stated that we are what we eat; while this phrase isn’t wholly correct, it has some bits of truth. When we consider our diets, most of us know that every bite will either fuel our bodies efficiently or contribute to some negative impact on our bodily systems. Here, we will take a look at some foods that are good for the colon.

Is Diverticulitis Hereditary? Everything You Need To Know About The Condition & What Causes It

Is Diverticulitis Hereditary? Everything You Need To Know About The Condition & What Causes It

Americans between the ages of 60-80 are more prone to diverticula, which for many, is harmless but for others presents as diverticulitis. This illness may have very few symptoms or may become more serious. Today we’re walking you through everything you need to know about Diverticulitis, including what causes Diverticulitis, whether it’s hereditary, common symptoms of Diverticulitis, and treatment options.

Traveling With IBS: Tips to Manage Your Symptoms

Traveling With IBS: Tips to Manage Your Symptoms

Summer is on its way, especially here in Tampa Bay! If you're starting to get excited about your summer travels, you’re not alone! With vaccination rates rising, more and more people are eager to escape their homes and finally travel once again this summer. However, traveling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a difficult endeavor. Here are some tricks to help you avoid your worst IBS triggers and get the most out of your vacation!

Can Hemorrhoids Bleed Without A Bowel Movement?

Can Hemorrhoids Bleed Without A Bowel Movement?

If you’ve ever had an itching, burning, or intensely painful sensation around your anus, you’ve likely experienced the beloved hemorrhoids. Many patients wonder what causes hemorrhoids; while there are certain factors that can increase your risk for developing them, some people develop hemorrhoids for no apparent reason.

How to Prepare For Your Diverticulitis Surgery

How to Prepare For Your Diverticulitis Surgery

For some patients, diverticulitis is no big deal, easily treated with a few lifestyle changes. For others, however, more drastic issues may arise. That’s when your colorectal specialist may decide to take more drastic action, and set you up for diverticulitis surgery. We want to make sure you’re prepared for such a procedure, so here’s 3 tips to keep in mind.

Recognizing The Differences Between Anal Fissures And Hemorrhoids

Recognizing The Differences Between Anal Fissures And Hemorrhoids

The two conditions are pretty different from each other, but their symptoms are alike in many ways so we understand the confusion. If you’re wondering how anal fissures and hemorrhoids differ, read about them here as we discuss the characteristics of an anal fissure vs hemorrhoids.

Celiac vs. Crohn's Disease: How to Tell the Difference

Celiac vs. Crohn's Disease: How to Tell the Difference

If you suffer from unimaginable abdominal pain, you and your doctor are probably in the process of ruling out certain gastrointestinal disorders and diseases like Celiac Disease and Crohn’s Disease. Although the symptoms of many abdominal disruptions can be quite similar, the subtle nuances can help your doctor prescribe medication or suggest lifestyle changes to help you get the relief you need.

The FODMAP Diet: The Key to Conquering IBS

The FODMAP Diet: The Key to Conquering IBS

BS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a relatively common disorder that affects your large intestine. While only a small number of people suffer from extreme symptoms, most can control them through a structured diet, lifestyle changes, and managing stress levels— for most people, IBS treatment is best attempted with the FODMAP Diet.

How to Calm Your Bowels for Stress Awareness Month

How to Calm Your Bowels for Stress Awareness Month

This month is a big deal for colorectal specialists, as it’s both Stress Awareness Month AND IBS Awareness Month. What’s the link, you ask? Well in addition a variety of other triggers, it’s fairly common for IBS to be brought on and confounded by stress. In today’s blog we’ll be exploring the intricate relationship between stress and digestive conditions, and how taking a few moments of self-care will help you spend less moments on the porcelain throne.

IBS Awareness Month: Exploring Common IBS Symptoms

IBS Awareness Month: Exploring Common IBS Symptoms

Although it’s one of the most common GI disorders in existence, IBS often goes undiagnosed. Many people struggle to recognize the symptoms of IBS, and oftentimes those who do notice that they’re experiencing symptoms still don’t know to associate them with IBS. Today we’ll talk you through what IBS is, as well as common IBS symptoms you should look out for.

4 Screening Tests For Colon Cancer

4 Screening Tests For Colon Cancer

The end of March is drawing near— and with it comes the end of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. However, we shouldn’t forget about colorectal cancer as we enter into April. Many patients think that they don’t need to be screened because they don’t have colon cancer symptoms; as we’ve discussed in a previous post, this simply isn’t the case. Everyone over the age of 40 should be screened regularly, and it doesn’t always have to be with a colonoscopy!

What Is A Stoma Bag? Answering All Your Questions About Life After Colostomy

What Is A Stoma Bag? Answering All Your Questions About Life After Colostomy

If you’ve ever noticed someone with a medical device that appears to be a bag hanging from their stomach, you’ve likely seen someone who’s had a colostomy. But when does one need a colostomy done, and will life after ever be the same? Today we’re discussing what you’ll need to know for post-procedure life. (Hint: many patients find that having a colostomy isn’t as bad as they thought it would be!)