Surgical Gastroenterology [Gastrointestinal surgery] provides surgical treatment for various benign and malignant diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract. The department works in association with the Medical Gastroenterology, to provide comprehensive treatment for all diseases involving gastrointestinal tract. Services provided include a range of surgeries of sub-systems like HPB, colorectal, upper GI, peritoneum and small intestine. (liver, gall bladder, bile duct pancreas, spleen, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small and large intestines, appendix, rectum and anal canal.)
HPB (HepatoPancreaticoBiliary) surgery- is a division of surgical gastroenterology that deals with operations of liver, biliary system and pancreas. Commonly performed surgeries are laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gall bladder stones, surgeries for common bile duct stones, choledochal cyst, bile duct injuries and biliary strictures. The liver conditions that are treated are cysts and tumours (deroofing, excision, hepatectomy), cirrhosis (liver transplantation). Surgeries for portal hypertension including splenectomy, shunt operations and other procedures for upper GI bleeding. Pancreatic surgeries include surgeries for chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancers, and complications of acute pancreatitis, like Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, Frey’s Procedure, Duodenum preserving pancreatic head resections, lateral pancreatico jejunostomy, drainage of pseudocysts, central pancreatectomy, RAMPS, and total pancreatectomy.
Upper GI surgery- is the division which deals surgical treatment of various conditions affecting esophagus (food pipe) and stomach. Common operations performed are laparoscopic fundoplication for hiatus hernia/GERD, laparoscopic Hellers cardiomyotomy for Achalasia Cardia; transhiatal/trans thoracic and minimal access esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Operations for corrosive strictures of esophagus and stomach including esophageal reconstruction by colon interposition. Various types of gastric resections for gastric cancers, and surgeries for peptic ulcer diseases are also performed. The department is also offering services in weight loss procedures (Bariatric surgeries) such as Sleeve gastrectomy, Minigastric bypass, RYGB, etc.
Colorectal Surgery -is the division which deals with treatment of benign and malignant diseases of large intestine, rectum and anal canal. Commonly performed procedures are hemorrhoidectomy, rectopexy (for rectal prolapse), treatment of perianal infections/abscess/fistulae, right or left hemicolectomy, anterior or low anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, stoma reversals, etc.
Surgeries for miscellaneous diseases like- incisional hernia repairs and abdominal wall reconstructions, excision of intraabdominal/retroperitoneal, pelvic/retro rectal tumors and small bowel tumours.
Surgical Management of emergency abdominal conditions, like upper and lower GI bleeding/perforations of GI tract, appendicitis and cholecystitis. Complex abdominal trauma involving liver, pancreas, duodenum and other abdominal viscera are also managed by the department.
Several of the above procedure are offered in both open and laparoscopic means. The department is equipped with advanced equipments like CUSA, Harmonic scalpel, Ligasure, staplers and intraoperative ultrasound for performing both open and laparoscopic procedures. The department works in association with medical gastroenterology, radiology/interventional radiology, oncology and critical care medicine to provide multidisciplinary treatment for the best outcome.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
Who is a surgical gastroenterologist, and what do they do?
A surgical gastroenterologist in Kannur treats digestive system diseases with surgery. They handle conditions like colon cancer, severe heartburn, and chronic bowel disease. Using both simple and advanced surgical methods, they aim to reduce symptoms, remove unhealthy tissue, and improve the patient's quality of life.
What question you should ask a surgical gastroenterologist
During your visit, you should ask the Surgical Gastroenterologist in Kannur about the expected duration of the surgery and how long you will need to stay in the hospital afterwards. You can also ask about the dietary restrictions you should follow before and after the surgery. It’s helpful to inquire about any lifestyle changes you might need to make post-surgery and how to care for the surgical site to prevent infections.
What document should I carry on my first visit with a surgical gastroenterologist?
For your initial visit with a surgical gastroenterologist in Kannur, you should bring a detailed symptom diary, noting the frequency, duration, and severity of your digestive symptoms. Also, include any dietary logs if you have been tracking your food intake, as this can help the specialist understand potential triggers for your condition.
What is the role of a surgical gastroenterologist in a patient's treatment
Surgical gastroenterologists often work alongside other medical professionals to provide complete care. They team up with gastroenterologists, oncologists, and dietitians to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This teamwork ensures that all patient health aspects are considered and treated.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a surgical gastroenterologist?
For your first visit to a surgical gastroenterologist in Kannur, it’s helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms, noting what you eat and when the symptoms occur. Bring this diary and any relevant medical documents, such as previous diagnoses or test results. Also, list any over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking.
When should I consider seeing a surgical gastroenterologist?
Consider visiting a surgical gastroenterologist if you have recurring digestive issues, such as chronic acid reflux, severe constipation, or frequent bouts of pancreatitis. These specialists can perform diagnostic tests and surgeries to help identify and treat the underlying causes of these persistent problems.
Will a surgical gastroenterologist help manage recovery after surgery?
Yes, a surgical gastroenterologist will be involved in your recovery process. They will give you detailed instructions on diet changes and any lifestyle adjustments you need to make to promote healing. They will also educate you on signs of infection or other issues and when to seek medical help.
What gastroenterological conditions do surgical gastroenterologists attend to?
Surgical gastroenterologists attend to pancreatic conditions such as pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis. They perform procedures like Whipple surgery to remove tumours or damaged parts of the pancreas. They also deal with liver diseases, including liver cancer, performing partial liver resections or transplantations.
What advancements or technologies are utilized by surgical gastroenterologists?
Endoscopic procedures have significantly advanced, allowing surgical gastroenterologists to diagnose and treat conditions without major surgery. Techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic mucosal resection enable the treatment of gastrointestinal issues through natural orifices, like the mouth or rectum, reducing the need for invasive surgical interventions and promoting quicker recovery.
