Colorectal Services

Could a stomach ache be indicative of something more serious?

For most people, a tummy ache is just that. A simple tummy ache. It’s something we tend to take very casually. But, on occasion, a stomach ache can be indicative of a far more serious problem - digestive track complications, colitis and even cancer. Tackling these conditions at an early stage ensures you a better chance of survival. In cases involving colonic cancer and colitis, timely intervention can save the lives of 70-80% of patients. So, be ‘in the know’ about your health. Go for a check-up regularly.

Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Kokilaben Hospital’s Colorectal Unit believes in a multi-disciplinary approach to treat and manage colorectal complications. The modern services we offer include:

• One-stop rectal bleeding clinic - where camera examination and treatment can be done on the same day
• Family screening for bowel cancer
• Stoma clinics
• IBD clinics for patients with inflammatory bowel disease
• Enhanced recovery programme - so that patients recover from surgery faster

Treatment Options

The incidence of colonic cancer and colitis in India is steadily on the rise. These diseases can have serious, if not fatal, consequences if not caught in time. Thus, regular check-ups are essential.
Regular check-ups help detect diseases early and the data acquired allows your doctor to make informed treatment decisions which may or may not include pouch surgery, laparoscopic surgery, advanced surgery or minimally invasive surgery. We have provided more information on the various treatment options below.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Colonic and Rectal Cancer

Should you observe any of the following symptoms, please refer to a specialist immediately.

Symptoms:

• Bleeding from the rectum in patients above age 40
• Altered bowel habit (> 6 weeks)
• Weight loss or family history of cancer

Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Approach:

• Concealed cosmetic scar
• Minimal pain
• Faster recovery and minimal post-op adhesions
• Minimal blood loss as compared to normal surgery

Laparoscopic and Pouch Surgery for Colitis

Colitis affects young patients, making diagnosis quite difficult and sometimes this leads to a delayed diagnosis. As a result, patients may end up with a permanent stoma (bag for life).

Kokilaben Hospital offers:

• A team approach to tackle this difficult problem
• Keyhole technology
• Pouch surgery - avoiding the need for a permanent stoma in most patients

Laparoscopic Surgery for Piles

Haemorrhoids (piles) is a very common problem which affects 1 in 3 people in India. Invasive surgery can be more painful than having piles. This is why we, at Kokilaben Hospital’s Colorectal Unit, offer minimally invasive treatment for piles, depending on the stage.

Treatment options for piles are:

• Rubber band ligation
• Infrared (laser) treatment
• Stapled anopexy

Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Approach:

• Day surgery
• Minimal pain
• Faster recovery and the ability to resume work sooner

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Fissures and Fistulas

Fissures and fistulas can be very painful. Traditional invasive surgery of these conditions carries the risk of incontinence. Kokilaben Hospital’s Colorectal Unit offers the latest treatment which uses botox in order to heal fissures faster. This unit also offers a new, innovative treatment option for fistulas which uses fistula plugs. Both these surgeries can be performed as
day surgeries.

Other advantages:

• Faster healing and recovery
• Minimal pain
• Avoids the risk of major surgery

Advanced Surgery for Incontinence

Incontinence, both faecal and urinary, is still a taboo subject in India. It is very common in ladies who have gone through a difficult childbirth (labour) in the past. The results of surgery are poor and the risks are significant.

At Kokilaben Hospital, the Colorectal Unit offers highly specialised incontinence services. The team consists of a colorectal surgeon, physiotherapists and incontinence nurse specialists. This unit is equipped to handle both minor as well as severe incontinence problems.

We also offer laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse. This procedure has the lowest recurrence rates. It is less painful and has faster recovery rates.

We are the first unit in India to offer implantation of a pacemaker, like the one used in the heart, to treat different types of incontinence. This technology is very new and has received excellent results in the U.K. and U.S.A.

Advantages:

• Day surgfery
• Avoids debilitating surgery
• Completely reversible
• Very minimal risks

Other Laparoscopic Day Surgical Procedures performed

• Laparoscopic small bowel resection
• Laparoscopic stomal hernia repairs
• Laparoscopic appendicectomies

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