Dr. Zaghiyan is a colorectal surgeon in Los Angeles specializing in surgical and non-surgical treatments for diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.Colorectal surgeon Los angeles

Things to Know about Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s’ Disease and ulcerative colitis (U.C.) belong to the family of inflammatory diseases. Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease collectively are called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which can impact many organs. 

What is Crohn’s Disease?

It is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves GI tract and affects any part of the GI tract. The exact cause of this disease in unknown. However, the possible reason is the normal bacteria in GI tract and interaction between body’s immune system.

What is ulcerative colitis?

It is also an inflammatory condition that involves colon and rectum.  

Hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles offer diagnosis and treatment of Crohn’s’ Disease and ulcerative colitis. These health conditions are diagnosed by a colon and rectal surgeon, also known as a colorectal surgeon.

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of Crohn’s’ Disease and ulcerative colitis are:

•    Cramping and bloating

•    Weight loss

•    Ulcer

•    Anal Pain

•    Fever

•    Diarrhea

•    Abdominal pain

•    Rectal bleeding.

•    Rectal mucus.

•    Joint pain.

•    Blurred vision or eye pain

•    Arthritis.

•    Skin problems

•    Mouth ulcer

•    Nausea or vomiting

If you experience above mentioned symptoms, then visiting a colorectal surgeon in Los Angeles is necessary. Based on your conditions the doctor might suggest some tests and exams to understand your health condition. Here are few tests that colorectal surgeon may recommend:

•    Blood tests

•    Endoscopy

•    Colonoscopy

•    Imaging tests

Treatment of Crohn’s’ Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

After the diagnosis, the surgeon will start the treatment. Depending on whether you are suffering from Crohn’s’ Disease or U.C., the doctor will suggest a different combination of medicines such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. For severe condition, the surgeon may also suggest biologic agents. These medications can have side-effects that should be carefully monitored by the physician. 

However, if the medicines fail, your gastroenterologist might recommend a surgery. For U.C., Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is suggested. This procedure involves removal of colon and rectum. For Crohn’s’ Disease, an emergency surgery can be done for the perforation of the intestine. Surgery doesn’t cure Crohn’s’ Disease, but it provides long term relief from painful symptoms.

Colon and Rectal Surgeon in Los Angeles

Realizing the fact that you are suffering from IBD can be frightening. During this difficult phase, it is essential to consult a specialist who can help you throughout the treatment process. Dr. Karen Zaghiyan is one of the best colorectal surgeons in Los Angeles who treats her patients with a personalized approach.

How to Deal with Fecal Incontinence

What is Fecal Incontinence?

Fecal incontinence also known as bowel incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. In this condition, the stool or feces leak involuntary from the rectum. Fecal incontinence may vary from person to person. Some people feel the urgency to visit the toilet, and if they are unable to reach the toilet in time, the incontinence occurs. 

•    Some of the common reasons that can cause fecal incontinence are:

•    Diarrhea

•    Muscle/Nerve damage due to aging or while delivering a baby

Whatever the reason, fecal incontinence can be an awkward situation for anyone. However, the best way to deal with incontinence is to consult a good colorectal surgeon who can suggest the right treatment for your fecal incontinence.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery

If you are suffering from a colon disease such as colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, your surgeon may suggest you removing some part of all of the colon, depending upon your colon condition. If your colon condition needs a surgical treatment, then you should ask your surgeon about minimally invasive colorectal procedures. People who choose minimally invasive procedures over traditional surgery enjoy benefits of quick healing, shorter hospital stays and speedy recovery. This means, after surgery you can go back sooner to your normal life. 

Advantages of minimally invasive procedures

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery carries many benefits. It gives more precision and control to the colorectal surgeons. With robot-assisted surgery, the surgeon can operate with enhanced 2D/3D HD vision that provides improved visibility to make small maneuvers in a confined space.

Here are some more benefits of minimally invasive colorectal surgery:

Speedy Recovery

In minimally invasive surgery, smaller incisions are required as compared to traditional surgery. Hence, your body will heal faster in minimally invasive surgery.

Shorter Hospital Stay

These procedures will give the advantage of shorter hospital stay, and you can go back to the normal routine of life sooner.

Minimal Scarring

In minimally invasive surgery, there will be less scarring as most of the incision will be hard to notice after healing.

Less Pain

If you want less pain while treating your colon condition, less invasive surgery is recommended.

Other Benefits:

·         Faster return to normal bowel function

·         Less blood loss

·         Low rate of complications

Who is suitable for a minimally invasive procedure?

Though the benefits of minimally invasive surgery make it an ideal treatment option for colon diseases. However, these procedures may not be suitable for everyone. Ask your doctor if robotic surgery is right for you or not. 

If you want to treat your colon condition through robotic colon surgery, then make sure you choose an experienced and top rated colorectal surgeon Los Angeles who has the expertise in robot-assisted surgery.