Colorectal Surgery & Treatments

Dr. Baker Henson provides expert, compassionate care for a wide range of benign and malignant colorectal conditions. Utilizing advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques, he focuses on removing disease while preserving normal bowel function and ensuring a smooth recovery.

Colon Cancer & Bowel Resection

For patients diagnosed with colon cancer or large pre-cancerous polyps, a bowel resection (colectomy) may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the diseased portion of the colon along with surrounding lymph nodes, and then carefully reconnecting the healthy ends of the bowel.

Whenever possible, Dr. Henson performs this highly complex surgery using advanced robotic assistance. This provides 3D visualization and precise control, allowing for smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster return of normal bowel function compared to traditional open surgery.

Diagram showing a colon resection (colectomy) with reconnection.

Diverticulitis Surgery

Diverticulitis occurs when small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in your digestive tract become inflamed or infected. While mild cases are treated with antibiotics and diet changes, severe or recurring diverticulitis often requires surgery to prevent dangerous complications like bowel perforation or abscesses.

Surgery typically involves removing the diseased segment of the colon (usually the sigmoid colon) and reattaching the healthy segments. Dr. Henson performs this robotically or laparoscopically for a faster recovery.

[Image of diverticulitis in the descending colon diagram]

Inflamed diverticula typically found in the sigmoid or descending colon.

Anorectal Conditions

Conditions affecting the anus and rectum are incredibly common but often cause significant discomfort and embarrassment. Dr. Henson provides discreet, highly effective surgical treatments for these issues so you can regain your quality of life.

Hemorrhoids

When conservative treatments (creams, banding, high-fiber diet) fail to relieve painful, bleeding, or prolapsed hemorrhoids, a surgical hemorrhoidectomy is often the best solution for permanent relief. This involves surgically excising the swollen blood vessels.

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue that lines the anus, causing severe pain and bleeding during bowel movements. If it doesn't heal with medication, a minor procedure called a lateral internal sphincterotomy can be performed to relax the anal muscle, relieve the spasm, and allow the tear to heal.

Anal Fistulas

A fistula is an infected tunnel between the skin and the muscular opening at the end of the digestive tract. Surgery (a fistulotomy) is almost always required to open and drain the tunnel so it can heal from the inside out.

Anatomy of common anorectal conditions.

Post-Operative Instructions

Recovery depends heavily on the specific procedure performed:

For Bowel Resections (Colon Cancer/Diverticulitis): You will likely spend a few days in the hospital as your bowel wakes up. You will progress from a liquid diet back to solid foods. Walking daily is crucial to prevent blood clots and stimulate your digestive system.
For Anorectal Surgery (Hemorrhoids, Fissures, Fistulas): These are usually outpatient procedures. Expect some pain and mild bleeding during bowel movements for the first week or two.
Bowel Regimen: Avoiding constipation is critical to protect your surgical repair. Drink plenty of water, increase fiber slowly, and take stool softeners exactly as prescribed.
Sitz Baths: For anorectal procedures, soaking the area in plain, warm water 2-3 times a day (and after every bowel movement) provides significant pain relief and helps keep the area clean.