Colorectal Surgery & Treatments

Conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus can be incredibly uncomfortable and stressful to discuss. Dr. Baker Henson provides compassionate, expert care for both benign and malignant colorectal conditions. Using advanced minimally invasive techniques, his goal is to safely remove disease, preserve normal bowel function, and ensure you recover as comfortably as possible.

Major Bowel Procedures (Colectomy)

1. Colon Cancer Resection

If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer or large pre-cancerous polyps, removing the diseased portion of the colon (a partial colectomy) is often the most effective treatment. Dr. Henson carefully removes the affected segment along with nearby lymph nodes, and then reconnects the healthy ends of your digestive tract.

2. Diverticulitis Surgery

Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in your colon become inflamed or infected. While mild cases are treated with antibiotics, severe or repeated attacks often require surgery to remove the damaged section of the colon (typically the sigmoid colon) to prevent life-threatening complications like a bowel perforation.

The Robotic Advantage for Bowel Surgery

Traditionally, a colectomy required a large, open incision down the center of the abdomen. Dr. Henson performs these complex procedures using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. By operating through a few small keyhole incisions, patients experience:

Significantly less post-operative pain.
A faster return of normal bowel function (meaning you can eat solid food sooner).
Shorter hospital stays—often just a few days compared to a week or more with open surgery.

Partial Colectomy: Removing the diseased segment and restoring the connection.

Anorectal Conditions

Anorectal issues are incredibly common and treatable. These are typically outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day.

Hemorrhoidectomy: When creams and banding fail, surgical removal of severe, painful, or bleeding hemorrhoids provides permanent relief.
Anal Fissures (Sphincterotomy): A fissure is a painful tear in the anal lining. A minor surgical procedure to relax the anal muscle stops the spasms and allows the tear to finally heal.
Anal Fistulas (Fistulotomy): An infected tunnel between the skin and the anal canal. Surgery is required to open the tract so it can heal properly from the inside out.

Patient Education & Resources:

👁️ View Anorectal Anatomy Diagrams 📄 Read Anorectal Post-Op Instructions

Pre-Operative Instructions

The "Bowel Prep" (For Colectomy Patients Only)

If you are having a colon resection, your colon must be completely empty to prevent severe infection during surgery. You will be prescribed a liquid laxative prep (similar to a colonoscopy prep) to drink the day before surgery.

You will be on a clear liquid diet for the entire day before your surgery.
Drink the prep exactly as prescribed. Stay near a restroom, as it will work quickly.
You may be given oral antibiotics to take the day before surgery to further sterilize the bowel.
Nothing by mouth after midnight on the night before your procedure.

Note: If you are having anorectal surgery (hemorrhoids, fissures), you typically do NOT need a full bowel prep, but you may be asked to use an enema the morning of surgery. Follow Dr. Henson's specific instructions.

Post-Operative Recovery

Recovering from a Bowel Resection

Hospital Stay: Expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. You will start on a liquid diet and progress to soft, low-fiber foods as your digestive tract "wakes up."
Walking is Medicine: The fastest way to get your bowels moving again and prevent blood clots is to walk the hospital hallways. We will encourage you to get out of bed the very same day as your surgery.
Diet at Home: Stick to easily digestible, low-residue foods for the first few weeks (cooked vegetables, lean proteins, white rice). Avoid raw vegetables, nuts, and seeds until cleared.

Recovering from Anorectal Surgery

The first 1-2 weeks will involve some pain, especially during bowel movements. Proper care is essential:

Sitz Baths: Soak the area in a shallow tub of plain, warm water for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day, and immediately after every bowel movement. This soothes spasms, cleans the area, and provides excellent pain relief.
Keep Things Soft: Take your prescribed stool softeners (e.g., Colace) and a fiber supplement (e.g., Metamucil) daily. Drink at least 64 ounces of water. Do not strain on the toilet.
Bleeding: Mild spotting or a small amount of blood on the toilet paper is completely normal as the surgical site heals.