Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Colon and Rectal Surgery: Understanding the Specialty and Potential Malpractice

Colon and rectal surgeons, also known as proctologists, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. This critical area of the digestive system plays a vital role in waste elimination. When issues arise, they can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. If you have been injured, then you may have a medical malpractice claim and need the Baltimore colon and rectal surgeon lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Education and Training Requirements

Here’s a breakdown of the typical path to becoming a colon and rectal surgeon:

• Medical School: Following a four-year undergraduate degree, aspiring surgeons must complete a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. This training lays the foundation for medical knowledge and clinical skills.
• General Surgery Residency: After graduating from medical school, surgeons enter a five-year general surgery residency. During this residency, they gain experience in various surgical procedures across different body systems.
• Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship: Following general surgery residency, surgeons pursuing specialization undergo an additional two or three-year colon and rectal surgery fellowship. This fellowship provides training in diagnosing and treating diseases specific to the colon, rectum, and anus.

Licensing and Board Certification

Licensing: All colon and rectal surgeons must hold a valid medical license in the state where they practice. To obtain a license, they must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).

Board Certification: While not mandatory for practice, the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) offers board certification after passing a written and oral examination.

Types of Surgeries Performed by Colon and Rectal Surgeons

Colon and rectal surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, both minimally invasive and open surgeries. Here are some common examples:

• Colonoscopy: This diagnostic procedure uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for abnormalities like polyps or cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to a colonoscopy, but with a shorter tube to examine only the lower part of the colon and rectum.
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the anus and rectum.
• Fistulotomy: Repair of an abnormal connection (fistula) between the anus and another organ, like the skin or vagina.
• Colostomy or Ileostomy: Creation of an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall to divert stool flow. It is used if the colon or rectum needs to be bypassed or removed.
• Polypectomy: Removal of polyps, abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, which can be precancerous.
• Abdominoperineal resection (APR): Removal of the rectum, anus, and surrounding tissues, typically for rectal cancer.
• Laparoscopic colon surgery: Minimally invasive surgery using laparoscopic instruments inserted through small abdominal incisions to perform procedures like colon resections.

How Surgeries are Done:

The specific techniques used in colon and rectal surgery vary depending on the procedure and patient’s condition. However, some general approaches include:

• Open surgery: A traditional approach where a larger incision is made in the abdomen or perineum (area between the scrotum and anus) to access the surgical site.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive technique using laparoscopic instruments with cameras to perform the surgery through small incisions. This often leads to faster recovery times and less pain compared to open surgery.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: Surgeons utilize a robotic system for enhanced precision and control during minimally invasive procedures.

Work Environment and Collaboration

Colon and rectal surgeons primarily work in hospitals and surgical centers. They collaborate with various healthcare professionals, including:

• Gastroenterologists: Physicians specializing in the digestive system who may refer patients requiring surgery.
• Pathologists: Doctors who analyze tissue samples from biopsies or surgeries to diagnose conditions.
• Oncologists: Cancer specialists who may work with surgeons for treatment plans involving surgery for colon or rectal cancer.
• Anesthesiologists: Doctors responsible for administering anesthesia during surgeries.
• Nurses: Provide vital pre-operative, surgical, and post-operative care.

Potential Medical Malpractice Claims against Colon and Rectal Surgeons

Despite their training, colon and rectal surgeons can make mistakes. When a surgeon’s negligence deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient, it may constitute medical malpractice. Here are some common types of malpractice claims against colon and rectal surgeons:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failure to correctly diagnose a condition like colon cancer or Crohn’s disease can lead to delayed treatment and worsen the patient’s prognosis.
• Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, damaging surrounding organs, or causing excessive bleeding, can have severe consequences for patients.
• Improper post-operative care: Inadequate monitoring or management of complications after surgery can lead to infections, bleeding, or other issues.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Before surgery, surgeons must obtain the patient’s informed consent, which involves explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure. Failure to do so may be grounds for a malpractice claim.
• Perforation: A serious complication where a hole forms in the colon or rectum due to surgical mistakes or improper treatment.
• Anesthesia errors: Anesthesiologists work closely with surgeons, and errors in administering anesthesia can lead to serious injuries or even death.

The Baltimore colon and rectal surgeon lawyer can advise you on the specific type of medical malpractice claim you have.

Seeking Legal Help for Colon and Rectal Surgery Malpractice

If you believe you were harmed due to a colon or rectal surgeon’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with a medical malpractice attorney. We can review your case, determine if there are grounds for a lawsuit, and guide you through the legal process. Here are some factors we may consider:

• Your medical records: These will document your condition, diagnosis, treatment plan, and surgical details.
• Expert opinions: Medical experts can assess whether the surgeon deviated from the standard of care and if that deviation caused your injuries.
• Damages: We will help calculate the compensation you may be entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Colon and Rectal Surgeon Lawyer

The legal process for medical malpractice claims can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in obtaining a successful outcome.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.