Treatment options and pricing
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Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery Initial Consultation
Included in the Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery Initial Consultation
During your Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) initial consultation, the healthcare provider will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and concerns, and may perform a physical examination, allowing them to better understand your condition and determine the appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options.
Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery Follow up Appointment
Included in the Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery Follow up Appointment
In a Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) follow-up consultation, we review the results of any diagnostic tests, assess your progress since the initial consultation, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring that you receive the most effective and personalised care.
Common Q&A about Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Lower GI surgery refers to surgical procedures involving the lower portion of the digestive system, including the small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. These surgeries may be performed to treat conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or bowel obstructions.
Common conditions that may necessitate lower GI surgery include colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, polyps, bowel obstructions, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse.
There are various types of lower GI surgeries, including:
- Colectomy (removal of part or all of the colon)
- Proctectomy (removal of part or all of the rectum)
- Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of hemorrhoids)
- Bowel resection (removal of part of the intestines)
- Stoma creation (such as colostomy or ileostomy)
Risks can vary depending on the specific procedure and patient’s health, but common risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, damage to nearby organs, leakage at surgical sites, and complications related to anesthesia. Long-term risks may include bowel dysfunction or scarring.
Recovery time can vary based on the type of surgery, with laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgeries generally having shorter recovery periods compared to open surgeries. Patients might stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, and full recovery can take 4 to 8 weeks.
Lower GI surgery can be performed either as open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery. Minimally invasive options often result in less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars, but may not be suitable for all conditions.
Before the surgery, patients will typically undergo preoperative assessments, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and bowel preparation to clean the intestines. It’s important to discuss medications with the doctor, as some may need to be stopped prior to surgery.
After surgery, patients are often started on a clear liquid diet and gradually progress to soft foods as bowel function returns. It’s important to avoid high-fiber and greasy foods initially, and to follow a specific diet plan as recommended by the doctor to promote healing.
In some cases, a stoma (such as a colostomy or ileostomy) may be required, where part of the bowel is diverted to an opening in the abdomen for waste to be collected in a bag. Whether a stoma is temporary or permanent depends on the specific surgery and condition.
Lower GI surgery can be highly successful in treating conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and IBD, especially when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or biologic therapies. Success rates and outcomes depend on factors like the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the type of surgery performed.
Symptom checker
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please book an appointment with us. Symptoms can vary from person to person and from condition to condition.A proper diagnosis can only be made through a thorough medical examination.
Our clinicians will carry out a full assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Do you have persistent abdominal pain or cramping?
Ongoing pain or cramping in your abdomen, especially if it interferes with daily activities, can signal inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or other lower GI problems that may need surgical assessment.
Have you noticed a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in stool)?
Sudden or prolonged changes in how often you go, consistency of stools, or visible blood can suggest conditions like diverticulitis, IBD, or colorectal pathology that need specialist evaluation.
Do you feel a bulge or discomfort around the anus?
Bulging, itching, or pain around the anus — including prolapse, haemorrhoids, or rectal discomfort — may require surgical consultation for relief and management.
Are you experiencing unexplained weight loss or fatigue with digestive symptoms?
Unintended weight loss and tiredness along with gut symptoms can be signs of more serious lower GI conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease or cancer, and should be assessed promptly.
Do you have symptoms like nausea, bloating or abdominal swelling with bowel discomfort?
Feeling bloated, nauseated, or swollen in the abdomen, especially with bowel irregularities, can point to bowel obstruction or complex GI disorders that may require surgery.
Are you struggling with recurrent diverticulitis or chronic GI issues not responding to treatment?
If repeated flare‑ups of diverticulitis or long‑standing GI symptoms fail to improve with medical therapy, a surgical review might be recommended to reduce complications.
What we treat
At The Health Suite Leicester, our private medical clinic offers expert care whenever you need it. Our team of experienced GPs and healthcare professionals provide personalised diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring high-quality, professional care in a comfortable setting.
Click below to view useful info on a few of the common conditions we treat:
Colorectal Cancer & Pre‑cancerous Conditions
Lower GI surgery includes surgical care for colorectal cancers and precancerous polyps. Procedures can remove affected bowel segments and help prevent spread and improve long‑term outcomes.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD: Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis)
Surgery may be recommended to manage complications or severe disease in Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, helping reduce inflammation, repair damage, and improve quality of life.
Diverticulitis & Diverticular Disease
Chronic or complicated diverticulitis — with recurrent pain, abscesses, or risk of perforation — can be treated surgically by removing the diseased bowel portion to reduce episodes and complications.
Bowel Obstructions & Strictures
Blockages or narrowed segments in the intestine that prevent normal passage of stool may require surgical intervention to remove obstruction and restore bowel function.
Rectal & Anal Conditions (Prolapse, Haemorrhoids, Fistulae)
Lower GI surgical care also addresses structural issues such as rectal prolapse, complex haemorrhoids, or fistulas, improving comfort and restoring normal anatomy and function.
many more
Our clinicians manage a broad spectrum of conditions, and individual assessment allows us to tailor care beyond the examples listed. We encourage you to book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and appropriate treatment options.
