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Colorectal

How to choose a doctor for hemorrhoid treatment
Colorectal
How to Choose a Doctor for Hemorrhoid Treatment?

When it comes to seeking treatment for hemorrhoids, understanding the roles of different medical specialists is essential. Two key professionals involved in addressing hemorrhoids are gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, also known as proctologists. Let’s explore the distinctions between these experts and their respective approaches to managing hemorrhoids.

Gastroenterologists


Gastroenterologists are specialists in digestive system disorders, including those affecting the rectum and anus where hemorrhoids occur. They are skilled in diagnosing and managing mild to moderate cases of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterologists typically recommend non-surgical treatments, including lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter remedies. They perform diagnostic procedures such as digital rectal exams, anoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy to assess the condition.

Colorectal Surgeons/Proctologists


Colorectal surgeons, or proctologists, have extensive expertise in addressing diseases and conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. They are especially well-suited for managing severe hemorrhoids and cases where non-surgical methods have proven ineffective. These specialists can perform advanced procedures like hemorrhoidectomy, rubber band ligation, and minimally invasive techniques such as Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD) or stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PPH).

Evaluation and Diagnosis


Both gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons are capable of diagnosing hemorrhoids through comprehensive evaluations. They may use various tools and techniques, including digital rectal exams, anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and in some cases, colonoscopy to rule out other colorectal conditions. The choice between these specialists depends on the severity of your hemorrhoids and the most suitable treatment approach.

Severity of Hemorrhoids


For mild to moderate cases and initial evaluation, consulting a gastroenterologist may be the right choice. They can offer guidance on lifestyle adjustments and non-surgical treatments. If your condition is more advanced, requires surgical intervention, or you experience persistent symptoms, a colorectal surgeon or proctologist is better equipped to provide specialized care and perform surgical procedures.

Choosing the best specialist for your hemorrhoids


Selecting the appropriate specialist for your hemorrhoid treatment is crucial. Gastroenterologists focus on less invasive and non-surgical solutions, while colorectal surgeons are experts in surgical interventions. Choosing the right specialist ensures you receive the most effective and tailored treatment for your specific needs. Your healthcare provider can help guide you in making this decision based on the severity of your condition and individual circumstances.

October 18, 2023

Colorectal
Comparing Colorectal Surgeons and Gastroenterologists: Which Specialist Should You See?

The digestive system is crucial to overall health, but it is prone to various issues such as constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux, and cancer. When patients experience such symptoms, they require the expertise of medical professionals such as colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. However, determining which specialist to see can be challenging. This article aims to compare and contrast these specialists and guide readers in making informed decisions regarding their digestive and colon health care.

Colorectal Surgeons: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Colorectal surgeons are specialists in the field of colorectal surgery, which focuses on surgical treatment for conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. These medical doctors undergo extensive education and training, including a four-year medical degree, a five-year residency in general surgery, and an additional one to two years of fellowship training in colorectal surgery.

Colorectal surgeons diagnose and treat conditions such as colon cancer, IBD, diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids. They may perform various surgical procedures, including colonoscopies, laparoscopic surgery, and open surgery, depending on the specific condition and its severity.

One of the primary advantages of seeing a colorectal surgeon is that they are trained in both medical and surgical management of digestive conditions. This means that they can provide comprehensive care for patients, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. However, they may not always be the appropriate specialist for those who do not require surgical treatment. In such cases, a gastroenterologist may be a more suitable option.

Gastroenterologists: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Gastroenterologists are medical professionals who specialize in identifying and treating conditions that impact the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. They use a range of diagnostic tools, including imaging tests, endoscopy, and colonoscopy, to assess and diagnose digestive ailments.

They are responsible for treating a wide range of digestive conditions, including acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, IBD, IBS, and celiac disease, among others. Treatments they may administer include prescribing medications, recommending lifestyle changes, or performing procedures such as endoscopic therapy or dilation of the esophagus to treat the condition. They also provide ongoing care and monitoring to ensure the patient’s digestive health is maintained.

To become a gastroenterologist, one must complete a four-year medical degree followed by a three-year residency in internal medicine and an additional two to three years of specialized fellowship training in gastroenterology.

One of the main advantages of consulting a gastroenterologist is their ability to provide medical and non-surgical treatments for digestive conditions, which offers patients a comprehensive range of options for managing their condition. However, where surgical intervention is required, a patient will need to be seen by a colorectal surgeon. 

How to decide whether you should see a Colorectal Surgeon or a Gastroenterologist?

Colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists have different training, scope of practice, and procedures they perform. Colorectal surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus, whereas gastroenterologists offer medical and non-surgical treatments for a broader spectrum of digestive ailments. In some cases, patients may require collaboration and referral between the two specialists for optimal care. For example, a patient with a complex digestive condition may require surgical intervention from a colorectal surgeon, but also ongoing medical management from a gastroenterologist. 

Ultimately, the choice between consulting a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist depends on your symptoms, medical history, and the required intervention. While both specialties offer expertise in digestive health, their areas of focus, training, and scope of practice differ. Consult with your primary care physician and/or referrals can help ensure proper care for your digestive and colon health concerns.

April 26, 2023

Surgery Group LA
What is causing the rising rates of colon cancer in young adults?
testing tubes with different solutions

Guys, the test results are in and they’re not pretty! 50 is no longer the age when you need to check for colorectal cancer. People who are under 50 now account for 10% of colorectal cancer cases. And the worst news is that we only have ourselves to blame.

Why young people are getting colorectal cancer so young?

The truth is poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Couple this with smoking or drinking and young colons are going bad faster than our pandemic investment portfolio.

There are of course other factors. Age, race, and gender all play some part in your risk of developing colon cancer. 3-5% of people in developed countries have genes that put them at very high risk of Colon Cancer, caused by germline mutations in colon repair proteins (mmr).

But these mutations do not explain the recent uptick. The type of cancer that doctors are seeing in these cases grows sporadically. Genetic forms of colon cancers grow more steadily. New gene mutations could be the cause of some of these new cases. But new research shows there are more obvious risk factors to consider.

What can young people do to stay healthy?

Know your symptoms – if you or a loved one at any age develop these symptoms, it is imperative you speak to your doctor as soon as you can.

  • Rectal Bleeding – especially if your stool has rust-like blood forming inside of your stool
  • Unusual stools – dark stools, narrow thin stools, that may be a sign that your bowels are being obstructed
  • Changes in Bowel movements- this could either mean tough stools that only pass a few times a week (constipation), or loose watery stool (diarrhea) especially if this has gone on for longer than two weeks
  • Low energy or chronic exhaustion – this may be a sign of anemia or blood loss

Don’t be too alarmed! They are a variety of far less serious conditions, from hemorrhoids to a poor fiber diet to explain these symptoms. But you should still get tested, especially if there is any blood in your stool.

Make a lifestyle change – studies have shown that making these lifestyle changes can dramatically decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

  • Drink in moderation – the American cancer association advises no more than two drinks for men or one drink for women, but any alcohol can increase your cancer risk
  • Quit smoking – the amount of damage smoking causes your body can fill a blog on its own, so quit as soon as you can. That includes e-cigs too!
  • Lose weight – your new year’s resolution won’t just help your pants fit better it could save your life!
  • Consume 25 grams of fiber a day – most Americans only consume 10 – 15 grams of fiber a day. This causes your body to have to strain to keep your colon clean.

The key is consistency, not intensity – no need to throw all your cigarettes in a bin or eat two pounds of Benefiber. Moderate your smoking with nicotine patches, consider adding a walk every couple of days. 

You can do a lot more good in a year doing a little than you could ever do in a week so stay consistent and be gentle with yourself when you inevitably get off track and just get back on.

If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about colorectal cancer, speak to your doctor today.

February 10, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Symptoms, Causes, Colors, and More

Rectal bleeding is often a troubling sign of a host of different conditions. These can range from mild, such as hemorrhoids, the moderate, like an ulcer, or severe problems, such as colorectal cancer.

This can cause a lot of confusion and distress, which is why the Surgery Group of LA has made this handy sheet to help explain what the blood in your stool may mean.

What kind of rectal bleeding do I have?

Rectal bleeding can happen at various stages of the digestive process. Where it happens dictates the color, the amount, and where inside the stool the blood will start to form. 

While there are always exceptions, if your bleeding is:

  • Bright Red Blood – usually means bleeding that’s lower in the rectum near the anus
  • Dark Red or Maroon Blood – can signal bleeding in the small bowel or high in the colon
  • Blackish or tar-like stool (Melena) – likely means bleeding in the stomach, such as bleeding caused by an ulcer

Sometimes bleeding can’t be detected by the human eye and needs to be tested under a microscope. 

Rectal Bleeding Symptoms

Depending on the type of rectal bleeding you are enduring, you may experience very different symptoms. 

However rectal bleeding usually can come with: 

  • Feeling rectal pain and pressure
  • Mental confusion
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

If you’re experiencing a more serious rectal condition you may also suffer from the:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Slipping into unconsciousness
  • Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure

This may be a sign that you are going through Shock, and you should get medical treatment immediately.

What causes rectal bleeding?

As mentioned earlier the type of conditions that cause rectal bleeding range from severe to mild.

Common mild conditions include:

  • Hemorrhoids – the most common cause of rectal bleeding, this condition occurs when veins inside the anus grow inflamed and causes bleeding into your stool. 
  • Anal fissures – not to be confused with Hemmorhoids, are sudden cuts that form after passing an especially hard stool

More serious, but still treatable conditions include:

  • Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis – this happens when small pouches called Diverticuli to develop in weakened sections of your intestine, if they get infected they can cause pussy yellowish blood that causes all sorts of abdominal symptoms and fever
  • Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome – IBS or IBD as it is also called, is a swelling of the small or large intestine, which can cause intestinal blockages, diarrhea, and cramping
  • Ulcers – these form when the fluids in your intestines are constantly out of homeostasis which damages the lining of your intestines

Or unfortunately, it may be a sign of:

  • Polyps – or growths in the lower digestive system, which can develop into cancer

What to do if I have rectal bleeding?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms you may want to set up an appointment with your doctor or go to urgent care.

It’s important that regardless of the cause your doctor is given a chance to perform some tests in order to verify your condition and make sure your treatment is appropriate.

And again, If you’re experiencing a more serious rectal condition you may also suffer from:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Slipping into unconsciousness
  • Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure

This may be a sign that you are going through Shock, and you should get medical treatment immediately.

If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about rectal bleeding speak to your doctor today.

February 10, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Prepping for your colonoscopy

Whether it’s checking for colon cancer, internal hemorrhoids, or just a bad case of constipation, colonoscopies are a crucial medical diagnostic tool that has alerted doctors on the status of many colon maladies. However, these procedures can be a little anxiety-inducing. Will it hurt a lot? Do I have to drink special fluids before? How long is this going to put me out? Use this article as a helpful guide for all your questions regarding your scheduled colonoscopy.

How to prep for your colonoscopy

The key to the game is simple: emptying the bowels prior to your appointment. Without this crucial step, any growths, polyps, or abnormalities may be missed. 

To help you achieve this, we’ve created this 3-day colon cleansing program for you.

3 days out Low fiber foods, no whole grains, seeds, dried fruit or vegetables. Keep food clear and to a minimum. Avoid fried foods and any bright red foods.

24 hours out: No solid foods at all. If you can handle it a fast could be helpful, but you can supplement this window with clear foods like jello, popsicles, clear juices, or black coffee. This is often when we recommend you drink a bowel cleansing liquid for the best results.

2 hours before: No food or liquid at all, not even the bowel cleansing liquid. 

How to know if my colonoscopy prep is working

While following these steps should allow you a worry-free colonoscopy, for the hypervigilant, check for these steps that your colonoscopy prep is working:

  • Bowel movements are watery and clear
  • Seek medical attention if your bowel movements have become bloody or you are suffering from chronic constipation even after drinking the bowel cleansing liquid.

The Colonoscopy itself

The good news is that once you’re ready, a colonoscopy takes less than an hour to complete and you should be at the doctors for no more than 2-3 hours including prep and recovery. 

Your doctor will often begin by administering a light sedative. This means you will need to get a ride home after your test, and you should call off work on the day of the test. The sedative and test take about an hour to wear off but you should spend the rest of the day relaxing. If your doctor has found any polyps that are worth consideration they will let you know and send them off for further testing.

4 quick tips for colonoscopy prep:

  • Read your colonoscopy prep instructions asap – you don’t want to have to reschedule cause you missed a crucial step
  • Consider nonsugar sweeteners like kool-aid or stevia to keep you from being bored of drinking water
  • Consider drinking your colonoscopy prep fluid cold, sweetened, and through a straw to make it easier to put down
  • Once the fluids and diet kick in, keep your clothes nice and loose and try to take a little time off work if you can, it might be hard to stay away from the bathroom for the time being

If you or a loved one have questions about their colon health, speak to a medical professional today to get answers.

September 16, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is this March, and it is crucial that more people are aware of this insidious disease that is now the third most common cancer in the United States. Colorectal cancer is often asymptomatic, and doctors recommend regular screenings starting at the 45 to everyone. However, if you or a loved one is suffering from one of these warning signs, you may need to speak with a medical professional today.

Continuous Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and consistent bouts of vomiting may be a sign that a rectal or colon tumor is creating a blockage in the bowels. This leads to the digestive system being unable to pass waste or gas properly. If you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, or dehydration for longer than 24 hours, speak to a medical professional immediately.

Rectal Bleeding

While rectal bleeding can be a sign of other conditions such as polyps, or, hemorrhoids, doctors recommend a checkup anyway. While it could just be a minor illness, rectal bleeding of any sort is worthy of more investigation, especially if it doesn’t go away.

Changes in bowel movements

Unusual stools or change in bowel movements, even if occurs in your twenties or thirties should be looked into. Concerning symptoms include pencil-thin stools, or bloody stools, feeling early in a meal for extended periods of time. While these symptoms may have other less serious explanations, it still is a good idea to consult a medical professional as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one suffer from any of the symptoms, it may be time to speak to a medical professional about your colon health.

March 23, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to lower your risk of colon cancer by managing obesity

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, and it’s about time as colorectal cancer is skewing younger and younger around the world.

With young adults suffering from higher rates of sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise, doctors have changed their best practices so that colorectal cancer screenings start at 45 instead of the previously recommended 50.

This is because obesity, almost as much as age, increases people’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

These risks have become so thoroughly documented that it has become compared to the effects of smoking on the chances of getting lung cancer. In a study in the UK, patients who carried just a few more pounds of weight on their body for a few years suffered a 25% higher chance of getting colorectal cancer compared to their lighter counterparts.

This is believed to happen because fat tissue triggers the creation of chemicals that cause inflammation, which in turn makes it easier for tumor cells to grow in the body. 

Obesity is a proven risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer, here 3 tips to help manage your obesity.

Instead of less unhealthy foods, think more healthy foods! 

While it may be tempting to just eliminate fast food, soda, and cookies, this can often cause cravings and inevitably give up together. Dieticians instead recommend adding as many healthy foods as you can, even if they come in a slightly compromised state. Can’t stand chicken breast and broccoli? How about fried chicken and country potatoes instead? The goal is to eat healthier incrementally, allowing you and your body to begin to find healthy food you enjoy and can stick to eating.

Move, move, move!

While doctors recommend 150 minutes of moderately intense activity a week, you might need to start slow. Perhaps a long walk while listening to your favorite podcast, a couple of squats spread throughout the day. Any extra movement helps burn calories and keeps your body fit.

Counseling

Sometimes our reasons for overeating or not exercising are related to a more emotional or trauma-related issue. Therapists and support groups can provide key insights as well as a valuable support as you work through your weight loss and overall health journey.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from colorectal cancer, speak with a medical professional today.

March 23, 2022

eat-sensible-meals
Surgery Group LA
When it comes to your diet be sensible and ignore trends

There’s a movement out there to sway people to adopt a meatless lifestyle.  Meatless Mondays is pretty much a thing right now.  The World Health Organization, the U.K. NHS (National Health Service), even freshman Congresswoman are all beating the drums against meat consumption.  According to the newest research, people who consume 76 grams of red and processed meat per day — that’s in line with current guidelines and roughly the same as a quarter-pound beef burger — had a 20% higher chance of developing colorectal cancer compared to others.

Dr. Yosef Nasseri, a colorectal surgeon and founding partner of SGLA, has a different perspective.  “The data shows something entirely intuitive. Processed foods are simply unhealthy. We know this.  We also know that being a vegan does not mean you are immune to developing a disease.  Dietary dogma is not the answer. A personal dietary choice should remain personal.  People should not use this study to dictate the way other people can eat. Some people are on vegan diets, others are on ketogenic/paleo diets or a wealth of other dietary systems dictated by religion. “

Perspectives on what good nutrition is constantly shifting. The food pyramid has shifted. Eggs, once an enemy of mankind now sits atop everyone’s Instagram able food bowl.  We are currently in a cycle where nutritional science intersects with environmental activism. It’s easy to cherry-pick scientific studies that fit a popular narrative.

Meat is not the enemy. Carbs are not the enemy either. Too many calories are the enemy. Obesity is a problem.  Dr. Nasseri believes that pretty much anything people eat contributes to both higher and lower rates of cancer. He advises his patients to eat nutritious food in moderation, to exercise in moderation and maintain regular medical checkups.

December 12, 2019



Surgery Group LA is a team of professional and board-licensed surgeons, who specialize of their respective fields. The institution’s project to offer sufferers with advanced and complete surgical care.

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Los Angeles, CA 90048
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