CONDITIONS
Read about conditions treated by us, including:
Haemorrhoidal problems are common, with symptoms including rectal bleeding, prolapsing piles, anal itch or leakage and cleaning or cosmetic problems from skin tags. Acutely incarcerated haemorrhoids can be very painful.
Anal fistulae arise after an infection of oil glands within the anal canal. Symptoms often wax and wane and include pain, swelling and discharge.
A very painful tear of the anal canal related to passage of hard stool and high anal pressures.
A skin condition related to ingrown hairs within the natal cleft (the skin cleft between the buttocks).
Bowel / Colorectal cancer and polyps
Australians have a 1/13 risk of developing colorectal cancer over their lifetime. South Brisbane has the highest rate in Australia, and this is predicted to rise. Polyps are precursors of cancer and can be removed at colonoscopy, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer developing. Early diagnosis is best for a successful outcome of treatment.
Diverticulae are outpouchings in the colon at points of weakness, thought to be related to high pressure. The disease is common in Australia, with half of all people over the age of 50 having diverticulae. About 25% of patients develop symptoms such as pain (“diverticulitis”) or less common problems including sudden bleeding, narrowing of the bowel or fistulae.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
These are types of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, an autoimmune condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon but Crohn’s disease affects the entire tract including the anus. Surgery is required in 1/3 of ulcerative colitis patients and 2/3 of Crohn’s disease patients over their lifetime.
Endoscopic assessment of the colorectum and upper gastrointestinal tract are useful tests to diagnose problems such as polyps, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and causes of anaemia or iron deficiency. Dr. Slack and Dr. Gillespie are accredited endoscopists.
Obstructed defecation & constipation
Constipation is infrequent bowel movements, usually considered less than three per week. Obstructed defecation is the sensation of unsatisfactory rectal evacuation; patients often feel that the rectum is still full or need to return later for further evacuation. Some people need to use manoeuvres or their finger to assist with defecation. 30% of the population suffer from these symptoms at some stage and abdominal pain is often a feature. Colorectal surgeons are able to evaluate people with these symptoms and along with other clinicians (including physiotherapists and dieticians) patients’ symptoms can improve. Severe cases where pelvic organ prolapse or post-obstetric injury are the cause can sometimes benefit from surgical intervention.
Unintentional loss of faeces or mucus from the rectum, or significant faecal urge, can be socially isolating and debilitating. 15% of Australians suffer from these symptoms and many suffer in silence. There has been a revolution in the understanding of these conditions and treatment options over the last 15 years.
Abnormal protrusion of the rectum outside the anus is quite disturbing and is an indication for surgical repair.
Hernia repair and miscellaneous conditions
We also treat a number of other conditions, as both subspecialty colorectal surgeons and trained general surgeons. These include hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, Portacath insertion for chemotherapy, appendicectomy, diagnostic laparoscopy and other abdominal operations. We offer hernia surgery for abdominal and groin hernias using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques.