Colorectal surgery

Colorectal surgery is a medical speciality concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the colon, rectum and anus. A doctor specialising in colorectal surgery is called a consultant colorectal surgeon. These are physicians who have completed medical school and undergone extra specialist training in colorectal disease and its associated surgical procedures. You may need to see a colorectal surgeon if you have a condition affecting your lower bowel that requires surgery. Our team of expert colorectal nurse specialists work closely with our colorectal surgeons to coordinate care and provide support, advice and education throughout your diagnosis, treatment and aftercare.

Colorectal surgery is a broad speciality covering many different procedures. The cost of your treatment will depend on the type of surgery you are having, as well as the hospital and consultant you choose. Many of our individual treatment pages include guide prices, and you can also call our team and request a tailored quote for a specific procedure.

You can access private colorectal surgery with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Often colorectal surgery will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.

The symptoms of colorectal conditions vary from person to person and depend on the type of condition you have, how severe it is and other factors such as your age and general health.

Some common general symptoms of colorectal conditions include:

• A change in your bowel habits: Includes any change in the frequency, appearance or consistency of your stool (poo) and may include diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both
• Abdominal pain: Can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and cramping
• Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in your abdomen
• Blood in your stool: You may notice blood mixed with your stool, bloody diarrhoea, blood on the toilet paper, or pink water in the toilet. Blood may appear as bright red, very dark or black
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a sign of colorectal disease
• A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying: Feeling like you haven't emptied your bowels completely after passing a stool
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lack of energy even after rest may be caused by anaemia due to blood loss. 

Your consultant may recommend colorectal surgery if you have a condition that affects your colon, rectum or anus that can be helped with surgery. Some conditions that may require colorectal surgery include:

Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer) 

Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow, divide and spread uncontrollably. Colorectal (bowel) cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It is the 4th most common type of cancer in the UK. Bowel cancer surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer and involves removing the cancer and surrounding tissue.

In some cases, bowel cancer may also be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or targeted therapy.

Bowel polyps

Bowel polyps are growths of tissue that form on the lining of your colon or rectum. Most bowel polyps are noncancerous (benign), but some may become cancerous over time, and most colorectal cancers start as bowel polyps. Bowel screening aims to detect early changes in your bowel, including bowel polyps, which can then be removed with a procedure called a colonic polypectomy, before they become cancerous.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease is the term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation of your bowel. The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In some cases, if inflammation and damage to your bowel are severe and affecting your quality of life, your consultant may recommend surgery to remove the affected areas of your bowel.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulosis is a common condition that occurs when small pouches called diverticula form on the lining of your colon. It is common, particularly as you get older, and doesn’t cause any problems. However, if the pouches become infected or inflamed, this is known as diverticulitis, a condition that needs treatment. 

Mild diverticulitis can usually be treated with rest, changes in your diet and, in some cases, antibiotics. If your diverticulitis is severe or recurring, your consultant may recommend surgery to drain an abscess, stop any bleeding or remove the affected part of your colon.

Rectal prolapse

The rectum is the last section of your large bowel. A rectal prolapse is when your rectum bulges out and protrudes through your anus. It occurs when the muscles that support your rectum become weak and can be caused by constipation, childbirth, pelvic floor disorders, or abnormalities in your large bowel. In some cases, you may need surgery to repair the supporting tissues and prevent recurrence.

Anal cancer 

Anal cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the anus (back passage). It is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be prevented with a vaccination. Anal cancer is normally treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy). If your cancer is small and has not spread, it may be possible to remove it with surgery.

Anal fissures and fistulas 

An anal fissure is a small tear in your anus that can cause pain when you open your bowels. Many anal fissures get better on their own, but in some cases, such as if your anal fissure is not healing or keeps coming back, you may need surgery. 

An anal fistula is an abnormal passageway that forms between your anus and the skin near your anus. It occurs when pus from an abscess in your rectum or anus (perianal abscess) drains and forms a tunnel out of your body. Some anal fistulas can heal on their own, but most need to be repaired with surgery. 

Haemorrhoids (piles) 

Haemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are swollen blood vessels inside or around your anus. They often occur with no obvious cause, but may be more common if you are pregnant, constipated or due to heavy lifting or straining while moving your bowels. Piles usually get better on their own or with over-the-counter treatment, but if your piles are severe or keep coming back, your consultant may recommend surgery to remove them. 

There are three main techniques used for colorectal surgery. Your consultant will decide on the best technique for you depending on factors such as your age, general health, and diagnosis. 

• Open surgery: Your consultant accesses your colon and rectum through a large incision (cut)
• Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive approach where surgery is performed through small incisions using specialised instruments
• Robotic surgery: A type of laparoscopic surgery using a robotic surgical system, allowing your surgeon greater precision, flexibility, and control 

Some common types of colorectal surgery include: 

Haemorrhoid surgery 

Haemorrhoid surgery is an operation to either remove your haemorrhoids or cut off their blood supply, so that they fall off. Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may be given a general anaesthetic, where you’ll be asleep during the procedure, or a local anaesthetic, where you’ll be awake, but won’t feel any pain.

There are several surgical procedures to treat haemorrhoids, including:

• Haemorrhoidectomy: An operation to surgically remove your haemorrhoids
• Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: A minimally invasive procedure where your haemorrhoids are stapled back inside your rectum, reducing their blood supply and causing them to shrink
• Rafaelo procedure: Radiofrequency energy is used to reduce the blood supply to your haemorrhoids, causing them to shrink
• Haemorrhoidal artery ligation operation (HALO): Uses ultrasound to cut off the blood supply to your haemorrhoids, causing them to shrink

Anal fistula surgery 

Anal fistula surgery is a procedure to repair an anal fistula and may involve several operations over a few months. There are several types of anal fistula surgery, and the type you have will depend on where your anal fistula is. Anal fistula surgery is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Most people go home on the same day as their surgery, or the day after. Recovery normally takes a few weeks.

Rectal prolapse surgery

Rectal prolapse surgery aims to put your prolapsed rectum back in its normal position inside your body and strengthen the muscles and tissues around it to prevent the prolapse from happening again. It is usually performed under general anaesthetic and takes between one and three hours. You may spend between one night and one week in hospital after your surgery, depending on the type of procedure you have and your individual recovery. Most people can return to their normal activities within six weeks of surgery, but full recovery can take several months.

Ileoanal pouch surgery

Also known as a restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or a J-pouch procedure, this is a procedure where your colon and rectum are removed, and a pouch is created from your small intestine. The pouch is then connected to your anus, allowing you to have normal bowel movements without needing an ileostomy or colostomy. It is typically performed as the second of two surgeries, the first surgery being a colectomy or proctocolectomy to remove your colon and/or rectum. Ileoanal pouch surgery can be used to treat colon cancer and some chronic bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s disease. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes between three and five hours. Recovery can take from several weeks to a few months. 

Surgery for Crohn’s disease 

Crohn’s disease can often be treated without surgery, but if your symptoms are severe or not responding to other treatments, your consultant may recommend surgery to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Depending on the specific procedure you have, you can expect to spend between three and ten days in hospital after your surgery. Recovery can take from several weeks to a few months. 

Surgery for Crohn’s disease may include:

• Bowel resection: An inflamed section of your bowel is removed, and the two healthy sections are joined together (anastomosis)
• Strictureplasty: Strictures are narrowed areas of your bowel that can occur due to chronic inflammation and scarring. They can lead to blockages and need to be repaired with a procedure called a strictureplasty
• Colostomy or ileostomy: Your bowel is diverted to an opening in your abdomen called a stoma that allows stools to pass straight out of your body into a bag. They can be temporary or permanent

Colectomy

A colectomy is the removal of all or part of your colon. It can be used to treat several conditions, including bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticulitis. It may also be performed to prevent bowel cancer in people with a high risk of developing the disease. A colectomy is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between one and four hours. Many people can resume normal activities around two weeks after a colectomy, but full recovery may take six weeks or longer.

There are several types of colectomy. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate type for you depending on your diagnosis.

• Total colectomy: Removal of your entire colon
• Partial colectomy: Removal of a part of your colon
• Hemicolectomy: Removal of either the right or left side of your colon
• Sigmoidectomy: A procedure to remove the sigmoid colon (the last part of the colon)
• Proctocolectomy: The entire colon and rectum are removed

Unless your GP or insurer has told you otherwise, the first step in booking your treatment is usually an initial consultation with a colorectal surgeon. Your specialist colorectal consultant will assess your symptoms and general health and order any necessary tests to make or confirm your diagnosis. During your appointment, your consultant will take time to get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and answer any questions you may have. At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if colorectal surgery is an appropriate treatment for you and create a personalised treatment plan including the best procedure for you and comprehensive aftercare. 

Booking a consultation is easy, and you can either do this by calling our dedicated team of friendly advisors or by using our easy online booking system. 

Circle Health Group is a leader in providing the best in private healthcare and has the expertise and experience to put your mind at rest and ensure you get the most up-to-date treatment and care.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suits your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities with expert multidisciplinary care 
• Private ensuite rooms as standard, and a range of delicious, healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about private treatment for colorectal surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

1. Colorectal Surgery, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
2. Colorectal Surgery, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust  
3. Colorectal surgeon, Cleveland Clinic