Colon, Rectal and Anal Disorders Clinic

The Fort Sanders Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute is one of the area’s most advanced centers for diagnosing and treating colon, rectal and anal disorders. Our board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons specialize in treating colorectal and anal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, fecal incontinence (and other pelvic floor disorders), hemorrhoids, fistulas and more. We offer patients the most advanced level of medical and surgical care, focusing on safe and proven treatment of disorders related to the gastrointestinal tract.

The inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool to a complete loss of bowel control. Common causes of fecal incontinence can be caused by bowel irregularity such as constipation or diarrhea, and muscle or nerve damage which can be associated with aging or with giving birth.

A common reason for visits to both primary care physicians, surgeons and gastroenterologists. These disorders are wide ranged and may include diarrhea, hemorrhoids, abscesses, fistula, fissures, anal itching, warts and rectal prolapse. It is important for the clinician to be familiar with these disorders as well as know how to conduct an appropriate history and physical examination.

Can be made up of one or both conditions called diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Both of these conditions occur in the large intestine or colon when one or more pockets or bulges form in the wall of your colon causing bleeding, inflammation or other complications. Diverticulosis is very common in Western populations and occurs in 10% of people over age 40 and in 50% of people over age 60. Mild diverticulitis can be treated with rest, changes in your diet and antibiotics. Severe or recurring diverticulitis may require surgery.

Swollen, enlarged veins that form inside (internal) and outside (external) the anus and rectum. Your physician can diagnose hemorrhoids based on symptoms and a physical exam. You may also have an anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. Hemorrhoids often go away on their own without treatment or at home remedies, however you should see your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or interfere with your daily life or don’t improve after a week. There are various surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the severity.

A tear in the lining of the anus or anal canal which is usually caused by trauma to the anus and anal canal. The goal of anal fissure treatment is to lower the pressure on the anal canal by making stools soft, which eases discomfort and bleeding and promotes healing.

A collection of pus in the tissue around the anus and rectum. This may be caused by an anal infection or blocked anal glands. It can result from sexual transmission or a disorder, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis. Some symptoms include anal pain, constipation, and fever. Treatment typically involves surgery to open and drain the abscess.

An infected tunnel between the skin and the anus. When these glands get clogged, they can become infected, leading to an abscess. About half of these abscesses may develop into a fistula. Your doctor may diagnose an anal fistula by physical examination around the anus. Some fistulas may not be visible on the skin’s surface which would mean that your physician may need to perform additional testing. Some of those tests may include an anoscopy, an ultrasound or MRI or in some cases, you may need to be examined under anesthesia. Surgery is almost always necessary to cure an anal fistula. The goal of the surgery is a balance between getting rid of the fistula while protecting the anal sphincter muscles, which could cause incontinence if damaged.

A chronic skin infection in the crease of the buttocks near the coccyx (tailbone) Pilonidal cysts most commonly occur in young men, and the problem has a tendency to recur and people who sit for prolonged periods of time. For example, truck drivers are at higher risk of developing a pilonidal cyst. If you have a pilonidal cyst, it should be visible to the naked eye. Your provider might spot what looks like a pimple or oozing cyst. You will receive a treatment plan that best fits your individual case. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may or may not need surgery to remove your pilonidal cyst. There are several other treatment methods available besides surgery, including: Draining the cyst, Injections of phenol, an acidic chemical compound, antibiotics and laser therapy treatments.

A small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon or rectum. Most are harmless but some can develop into cancer. Polyps are found in about 30% of the adult population over the age of 45-50. Since most colon polyps often don’t cause symptoms, it is important to have regular screening tests, such as a colonoscopy. This will help ensure that polyps are removed and identified before they can develop into cancer. Your physician will then determine when you should have a repeat screening test based on the number, size and microscopic analysis of polyps.

Loose or watery stools that persists for more than two to four weeks.

Minimally invasive surgery uses a variety of techniques to operate with less damage to the body than with open surgery. In general, minimally invasive surgery is associated with less pain, a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications. Some examples of minimally invasive surgery are laparoscopic, robotic or endoscopic.

Sacral neuromodulation uses an implantable device to send low-level mild electrical impulses to the sacral nerves. Located near the tailbone, these nerves control the pelvic floor and the muscles related to bladder and bowel function. This procedure can help people who have urinary or fecal incontinence.

Anorectal manometry is a procedure which evaluates the function of the rectal and anal muscles. This test measures the pressures created by the muscles, the sensation in the rectum (the passageway between the large intestine and the anus), and the neural reflexes necessary for normal bowel movements.

There are many treatment options for hemorrhoids. Some examples include: home remedies, medications, minimally invasive procedures such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy and surgery.

An outpatient procedure that is done to examine the inside of large intestine (colon and rectum). The examination uses an instrument called a colonoscope. This flexible instrument is very long and includes a camera and has the ability to remove tissue (biopsies) if necessary. A colonoscopy is commonly used to investigate abnormal gastrointestinal symptoms or for colon cancer screening.

A screening tests that use a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end to look at the lower part of the colon, also known as the rectum and sigmoid colon. Sigmoidoscopy is one option for colon cancer screening, but there are other options that allow your doctor to view your whole colon, such as colonoscopy. Talk with your doctor about which option is best for you.

The transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of the recipient for the purpose of treating recurrent C. difficile colitis. Fecal transplantation is usually performed by colonoscopy.

Feeding tubes which allow you to receive nutrition directly through your stomach. You may need a PEG tube if you have difficulty swallowing or can’t get all the nutrition you need by mouth. PEG tubes are typically placed endoscopically under anesthesia, and most patients will go home the same day. After your feeding tube is placed, you’ll be able to see the tube outside your body. You will need to clean the tube daily and keep it dry between cleanings. If a PEG tube falls out or moves, see a healthcare provider within 24 hours. PEG tubes can last for months or years and may be temporary or permanent.

A screening test that use a thin flexible tube with a camera at the end to look at the lower part of the colon, also known as the rectum and sigmoid colon. Sigmoidoscopy is one option for colon cancer screening, but there are other options that allow your doctor to view your whole colon, such as colonoscopy. Talk with your doctor about which option is best for you.

A powerful inhibitor of muscle contraction. BOTOX can be injected through an endoscope to relax certain muscles in the GI tract. This procedure may be used in patients with achalasia or gastroparesis.

Polyps can be removed through open abdominal surgery, but more commonly it is performed during an endoscopy or colonoscopy.

A tube made of metal mesh, plastic, or silicone. A stent is placed in the esophagus to keep a blocked area open so the patient can swallow soft food and liquids. This procedure is usually performed endoscopically.

Typically done endoscopically by stretching the esophagus with different dilators. If this technique fails to help patients become symptom free, other options may include corticosteroid injections into the esophageal stricture after dilation or temporary placement of esophageal stents.

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