[Lower gastrointestinal surgery] Introduction

Lower gastrointestinal surgeons specialise in diseases of the small intestines, caecum, large intestines, rectum and anus.

There is significant overlap with upper gastrointestinal surgery, gastroenterology and oncology.

Etymology 

Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastḗr) = belly
Ancient Greek ἔντερον (énteron) = intestine

 

Subspecialties 

• Colorectal surgery

History taking

Physical examination

 

Procedures

• Appendectomy
• Colonic polypectomy
• Colostomy 
• Enterectomy (bowel resection)
• Colectomy 
• Hartmann's operation
• Intestine transplantation 
• Strictureplasty

 

Digestive system diseases

 

Common diseases:

• Acute appendicitis  
• Bowel cancer  
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Intestinal obstruction  

Other diseases:

• Duodenal atresia
• Hirschsprung's disease