Colorectal Surgery

Our colorectal surgeons treat conditions of the colon and rectum, including bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Alongside surgery, our multidisciplinary cancer teams plan the wider treatment, including any additional therapy needed and recovery. Follow-up for patients treated for cancer includes laboratory tests and imaging to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

What is colorectal surgery?

Colorectal surgery is the part of general surgery that treats conditions of the colon, rectum and anus. These surgeons, when necessary, surgically remove or repair the diseased part of the bowel. They are also actively involved in stoma care and the follow-up of patients treated for colon cancer. They operate on conditions such as bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticular disease. Where medical treatment fails and surgery is indicated, the gastroenterologist refers the patient to the colorectal surgeon for curative surgery.

When should you see a colorectal surgeon?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in your stool
• A change in your bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks
• Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating that does not resolve within a few weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• A lump or bulge in the anal region
• Trouble controlling your bowels

Persistent severe abdominal pain or rectal bleeding requires urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care immediately.

You might also see a colorectal surgeon even without symptoms, for example if bowel cancer runs in the family, if you live with a chronic bowel condition, or after a screening test flags a concern.

What to expect

At your first appointment, the surgeon will ask about your symptoms, general health, and any family history of bowel problems. They will usually examine your abdomen and rectum. To examine the entire colon, they may arrange a colonoscopy, where a video scope is used to look inside your colon. During the procedure, samples can also be taken, or polyps removed. You'll need to take a preparation to clean your colon before the colonoscopy. A CT scan or blood tests may also be arranged, depending on the findings.

Treatment depends on what is found. Many problems can be managed with medicines or changes to your diet, while others may require surgery to remove or repair part of the bowel. At Mediclinic, colon surgery is usually performed using keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques to support a quicker recovery. Some people may need a stoma, which can be temporary or permanent, with regular follow-up afterwards. Your surgeon will talk you through the treatment options and explain what happens next.

Colorectal surgery at Mediclinic

We offer colorectal surgery at our hospitals in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. When part of the bowel is diseased, our surgeons can remove it and join the healthy ends back together. Most operations are done by minimally invasive surgery. Robotic bowel surgery is also available in Dubai.

For people diagnosed with bowel cancer, a multidisciplinary gastrointestinal cancer team meets every week to plan their treatment and recovery at our cancer centres. We also carry out colonoscopies and screening tests, which can detect and remove polyps before they cause problems. Our teams support people living with a stoma after surgery, providing practical advice on day-to-day care.