Clinical Care
Colonoscopy
Diagnostic & surveillance colonoscopy is performed by all members of the department on 2 regular weekly lists. As well as standard polypectomy advanced polypectomy techniques are undertaken including endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic stapled resection. Members of the Colorectal Department perform colonoscopic dilatation of strictures and insert colonic stents for obstruction. Colonoscopic treatment of radiation colitis is also undertaken.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The Colorectal Department works closely with the Gastroenterology Department to manage patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and has a national reputation for expertise in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Surgery performed includes managing peri-anal Crohn’s disease, laparoscopic bowel resection and procto-colectomy with restorative pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis.
Cancer
Colorectal cancer is managed with a multi-disciplinary team approach at St. Vincent’s. The Colorectal Department works in close collaboration with medical oncology and radiation oncology and has the great advantage of on-site radiotherapy. Most surgery is performed laparoscopically and a large majority of rectal cancers are treated without a permanent stoma. As well as open & laparoscopic surgery colorectal cancer may be treated with TEMS, TAMIS & colonic stenting.
Pelvic Floor
St. Vincent’s has had a longstanding interest & commitment to treating pelvic floor disorders including rectal prolapse, faecal incontinence and severe constipation. Historical operations such as dynamic graciloplasty & artificial bowel sphincter insertion were pioneered at St. Vincent’s and the Colorectal Department is one of the very few where sacral nerve stimulation and injectable treatment for incontinence is offered to public patients. Members of the Department have links to the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Mercy Hospital for Women.
Anal Disease
We treat a wide range of anal disorders including haemorrhoids, fissure, fistula, skin tags, anal pre-cancerous conditions, warts and pruritis.