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FAQ's
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What is a Colon
and Rectal Surgeon?
A Colon and Rectal Surgeon is a
general surgeon who has completed an additional one-year of training
in Colon
and Rectal Surgery. The fellowship is followed by a certification
examination. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery then certifies the surgeon to perform complex Colon
& Rectal operations.
Why
should I have my surgery performed by a Board Certified Colon and
Rectal Surgeon?
By virtue of their specialization Colon and Rectal Surgeons achieve
lower complication rates and lower mortality rates than general
surgeons. In the past few years, more than 40 articles were published
in the medical literature measuring quality of surgical care based on
survival, complication rate, use of
colostomy, length of hospitalization, functional outcome, and cost.
In virtually every article and by every measure, surgeons with more
specific training and greater operative volumes perform better.
What
is the importance of Board Certification?
In addition to completing five years of general surgery training Colon
& Rectal surgeons have also completed an additional year of
specialized training approved by the American Board of Colon and
Rectal Surgery. The training is followed by a certifying examination
leading to certification in the field of colon and rectal surgery.
The certificate is evidence that the physician?s qualifications for specialty practice
are recognized by his or her peers.
Only surgeons certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal
Surgery are qualified to call themselves colon and rectal surgeons
and treat complex colon and rectal problems.
What is the surgeon's clinical experience and the
results of surgery? How many times have you performed this surgery?
The average U.S.
general surgeon does only 8 colon resections and only 3 hemorrhoidectomies per year. Colorectal surgeons
on the other hand perform a large number of these cases on a regular
basis. Studies have shown that surgeons with a large experience have
superior results. You have the right to ask about the surgeon?s volume and
clinical results.
What
complications might occur if I decide to have surgery?
Complications can occasionally occur after any surgery. Fortunately
these are far and few. Different operations have different
complications. Please ask your surgeon about complications related to
your specific surgery and what his rates of complications are.
Are
there alternatives to surgery? Can medical treatment be done?
Some conditions can be treated by medicines or alterations in life
style. Please ask your doctor during your visit if your particular
condition can be treated non-surgically.
How is
a Colon & Rectal Surgeon Different From A Gastroenterologist?
A Colon & Rectal Surgeon is a board certified General Surgeon who
then goes on to do specialty training in Colon & Rectal Surgery.
He or she must then become board certified in Colon & Rectal
Surgery. A Gastroenterologist is an Internist who then goes on to do
specialty training in Gastroenterology. One is a subspecialty of
Surgery and the other a subspecialty of Internal Medicine. We both do
colonoscopies but only colon & rectal surgeons do surgeries.
How is
a Colon & Rectal Surgeon Different From A General Surgeon?
In addition to being board certified in General Surgery, a Colon
& Rectal Surgeon is board certified in Colon & Rectal
Surgery. A Colon & Rectal Surgeon specializes in treating colon
and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, colitis,
rectal prolapse, hemorrhoids, anal
fissures, fistulas and fecal incontinence.
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