Gastrointestinal Surgery
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Gastrointestinal Conditions and Surgery
Gastrointestinal surgery aims to treat diseases that affect parts of the digestive system. Gastrointestinal surgery includes a variety of surgical procedures performed to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
The gastrointestinal tract or digestive system includes the oesophagus, small intestine, stomach, large intestine and rectum. It also includes the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Gastrointestinal surgery may be indicated to treat the following conditions:
- Appendicitis – this is a condition where the appendix becomes infected and inflamed.
- Gastrointestinal Cancers – these are cancerous tumours that occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well as other organs in the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, rectum, colon, pancreas, oesophagus, liver, anus and biliary system.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – this is a condition where the immune system attacks the intestines, which then causes pain and inflammation. This can damage the intestine.
- Rectal Prolapse – this is a condition where the rectum slips or falls from its normal position and sticks out through the anus.
- Diverticular Disease – a diverticulum is a small pouch or pocket in the large intestine. When these occur, they may become inflamed and cause pain.
Surgical Treatment
Early detection and diagnosis are essential for effective treatment. An endoscopy may be used to screen and diagnose problems of the digestive system.
- Cancer Surgery – this refers to a group of procedures performed to remove cancer cells in the gastrointestinal tract. These procedures may include colectomy, esophagectomy and gastrectomy.
Gastrointestinal surgery may be indicated to treat the following conditions:
- Appendicitis – this is a condition where the appendix becomes infected and inflamed.
- Gastrointestinal Cancers – these are cancerous tumours that occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well as other organs in the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, rectum, colon, pancreas, oesophagus, liver, anus and biliary system.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease – this is a condition where the immune system attacks the intestines, which then causes pain and inflammation. This can damage the intestine.
- Rectal Prolapse – this is a condition where the rectum slips or falls from its normal position and sticks out through the anus.
- Diverticular Disease – a diverticulum is a small pouch or pocket in the large intestine. When these occur, they may become inflamed and cause pain.
Surgical Treatment
Early detection and diagnosis are essential for effective treatment. An endoscopy may be used to screen and diagnose problems of the digestive system.
- Cancer Surgery – this refers to a group of procedures performed to remove cancer cells in the gastrointestinal tract. These procedures may include colectomy, esophagectomy and gastrectomy.