Colon and Rectal Surgery
What kind of Physician is a Colon and Rectal Surgeon?
A Colon and Rectal Surgeon, or Colorectal Surgeon, is an expert in the surgical treatment of problems involving the digestive system – and in particular the small bowel, colon, and rectum. In order to become a Colorectal Surgeon, a physician must complete advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems in addition to training in general surgery. Colorectal surgeons treat benign and malignant conditions, perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat problems when necessary.1
What special training is required for a doctor to become Board Certified in the Specialty of Colon and Rectal Surgery?
Training in this medical specialty is rigorous and extended. After completing medical school, the physician must next complete an accredited five-year general surgical residency. During their training, they must acquire extensive experience in the operating theater, and a broad knowledge of disease management. They must then become certified by the American Board of Surgery, passing an examination that is both written and oral.2
To become certified additionally as a Colorectal Surgeon, the surgeon must then complete an additional one-year fellowship program in colon and rectal surgery. Certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery is then dependent upon the surgeon passing the American Board of Colorectal Surgeons (ABCRS) Certification Examination (Part II).3
What kind of treatment does a Colon and Rectal Surgeon provide?
A colon and rectal surgeon is specially trained to provide diagnosis and treatment of all diseases of the small bowel, colon, rectum and anus. Patients consult these specialists for help with a wide variety of disorders, including, for example, colon and rectal cancer, precancerous polyps, retrorectal tumors, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, divertculitis, rectal prolapse, fistula-in-ano, hemorrhoids and pilonidal cysts.4
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1 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, http://www.fascrs.org/patients/
2 American Board of Surgery, http://www.absurgery.org/default.jsp?publiccertprocess
3 American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery, http://www.abcrs.org/definitionofsurgeon.htm
4 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, http://www.fascrs.org/patients/