Surgical Services

At Mid Illini Surgical Associates, we understand the importance of living a life with comfort. Colon and rectal problems can be embarrassing to discuss yet painful to live with.

Our surgeons work closely with colleagues in gastroenterology and other specialists to ensure that you receive comprehensive, innovative and supportive care specially designed for your needs.

Our colon and rectal surgeons of MISA have extensive training in general surgery as well as advanced training in treatment of colon and rectal problems.

We have in-depth knowledge of intestinal and anorectal physiology to provide the most innovative yet uses the latest techniques to ensure the best quality of care for our patients!

Areas of expertise include:

• Colorectal Polyps and Cancer
• Stoma
• Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
• Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy

Understanding the Colon

The colon, also known as large bowel or large intestines, is 4 - 6 feet long and the rectum is the last 6 inches of the colon. The colon is a vital muscular tube that forms the last part of the digestive tract that absorbs water and helps prepare waste to be expelled.

The colon and rectum have a smooth lining composed of millions of cells that upon change, can lead to growths in the colon that can form polyps. Over time, polyps can turn cancerous and need to be removed.

Many types of colon problems can be treated with laparoscopic surgery, which consist of 3-5 small tiny incisions made on the abdomen. Depending on the type of surgery will depend on the location of the colon problem. A partial or complete removal of the colon may be recommended.

Types of Colorectal Surgeries

• Right Hemicolectomy part, or all, the ascending (right side) of colon is removed.  Remaining colon is then reconnected using staples and sutures to the small intestines. 
• Left Hemicolectomy part, or all, the descending (left side) of colon is removed.  Remaining colon is then reconnected using staples and sutures to the rectum. 
• Sigmoid Colectomy (Sigmoidectomy) part, or all, the sigmoid colon is removed.  Descending (left side) colon is then reconneceted using staples and sutures to the rectum. 
• Lower Anterior Resection the sigmoid colon and part of the rectum is removed.  The descending (left side) colon is then reconnected using staples and sutures to what remains of the rectum. 
• Abdominal Perineal Resection part, or all, of the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus is removed.  The descending (left side) is then diverted to create a new opening on the abdomen, known as a "colostomy" using staples and sutures.  See more details below on stoma. 
• Segmental Resection one or more short segments of the colon is removed.  Remaining ends are then reconnected using staples and sutures. 
• Total Colectomy is when the entire colon is removed and the small intestines is reconnected using staples and sutures to the rectum. 
• Total Proctocolectomy is when the entire colon is removed as well as the rectum and anus.  End of the small intestines is then connected using staples and sutures to a new opening on the abdomen to create a "stoma." 

See Pre-Op and Post-Op for more details!
*This information is not intended to substitute professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only.  All procedures have risk of complications. Please contact your healthcare provider for better guidance regarding your individual situation.

What is a Stoma?

With some colon surgeries, one end of the intestine may be used to make a new opening on the abdomen.  A stoma creates a new path for waste to leave your body.  When a stoma is from the colon, it is known as, "colostomy." Yet when a stoma is from the small intestines, it is known as "ileostomy."

A temporary stoma can be created to ensure waste is being diverted from the body for a period of time, yet rectum and anus remain intact.  Later, the colon will then be reconnected to the rectum and the stoma will be closed. However a permanent stoma is created when the rectum and anus are completely removed to ensure waste is being diverted from the body.

*This information is not intended to substitute professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only.  All procedures have risk of complications. Please contact your healthcare provider for better guidance regarding your individual situation.

Polyps and Cancer

Polyps are small fleshy growths that form in the lining of the colon and rectum. They are often benign (non-cancerous). However, polyps can begin growing abnormally and become cancerous. The larger the polyp grows, the more likely this is to happen.

By removing polyps early one can prevent cancer, yet prevent growing and spreading to nearby organs and/or glands, known as lymph nodes. The earlier a cancerous tumor is removed, the better the chance of preventing its spread!  Small polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.

Screening and Procedure

Colonoscopy is the best test for finding colorectal polyps and cancer, yet can be performed at the hospital as an outpatient procedure.

The day before the test, you will do a "bowel prep" to be sure the colon is cleaned out. The doctor will gently insert a long, flexible lighted tube called a "colonoscope" into the rectum. The scope will allow full view of the entire colon.

Polyps can be found on the wall of the colon, or rectum, and removed throughout the colonoscope. They are sent to a lab for testing. A follow up visit in our office will need to be made to review your test results and plan of care.

*This information is not intended to substitute professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only.  All procedures have risk of complications. Please contact your healthcare provider for better guidance regarding your individual situation.

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

A low-fiber and high fatty diet can lead to an unhealthy colon!  A healthy colon is a flexible tube lined with muscles that help move stools (waste) through the colon into your rectum (lower part of colon) to then remove waste from the body. With a healthy high fiber diet and proper hydration (water), one's stools should stay soft and pass smoothly through the colon. Yet if one has pressure build up inside the colon, stools will become harder which can cause diverticulosis.

Diverticulosis occurs when your colon muscles have to squeeze harder to push the stools through the colon. The extra pressure can cause the lining of the colon wall to bulge out into pouches, know as diverticula.  There is no specific time frame as to when problems will occur or noticeable symptoms.  However symptoms may include: mild cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or urgency.  In rare cases, rectal bleeding may occur. Any bleeding, even small amounts should be reported to your doctor.

Diverticulitis will occur when the diverticula pouches become infected, or inflamed. The cause of infection is unknown, but it is possible that it begins when the stools become lodged in the openings of the diverticula. Infection can lead to swelling, or rupture, of the diverticula. Symptoms may include pain, fever, and chills.

Ways to Managing Your Condition

Managing your condition depends on its severity and physician recommendations. If you have a mild case of diverticulosis, change your diet! A high-fiber diet and increased water intake helps the colon function normally. Medications provided by your physician can help relieve pressure in your colon to ease painful symptoms.

Screening & Procedure

Diagnostic Testing may be used to help diagnose the problem and/or rule out other colon disorders to ensure the best treatment possible for faster relief.

1. Barium Enema liquid barium that highlights your colon to show any abnormalities
2. Sigmoidoscopy is a thin flexible lighted tube inserted into rectum to view inside of the lower colon
3. Colonoscopy is a thin long flexible lighted tube inserted into rectum to view higher up in the colon   
 
*This information is not intended to substitute professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only.  All procedures have risk of complications. Please contact your healthcare provider for better guidance regarding your individual situation.