Colon, Stomach & Small Bowel Surgery
Colon, stomach and small bowel surgery
Dr. Brown performs abdominal surgery using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques:
- Colon surgery: removing the diseased part of the colon (colectomy), including for colon cancer.
- Diverticulitis surgery: surgery for repeated or severe diverticulitis (inflamed pouches in the colon wall).
- Stomach surgery: operations on the stomach when a condition needs surgical treatment.
- Small bowel surgery: operations on the small intestine when a condition needs surgical treatment.
Dr. Brown also performs appendectomy for appendicitis. Dr. Brown will review your symptoms and imaging at your consultation and discuss which surgical approach fits you best.
Colon cancer surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for most colon cancers that have not spread. In a colon resection (colectomy), Dr. Brown removes the section of colon that contains the cancer along with nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Dr. Brown works with your gastroenterologist, oncologist and primary care doctor on the rest of your care. Many colon cancers can be prevented or found early with screening colonoscopy; the USPSTF and the American Cancer Society recommend that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Brown operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits are at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Screening helps. Most colon cancers start as polyps, and removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent them from turning into cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
How is colon cancer treated with surgery?
The usual operation is a colon resection (colectomy): the surgeon removes the part of the colon with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Many operations can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Most colon resections reconnect the bowel, so a bag is not needed. Some patients need a temporary or, less often, permanent ostomy. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.
Will I need chemotherapy?
It depends on the stage of the cancer found after surgery. If more treatment is recommended, your surgeon works with a medical oncologist.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means small pouches have formed in the colon wall, which is common with age and often causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected.
Does everyone with diverticulitis need surgery?
No. Many episodes are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered for repeated episodes that affect your life, complications such as an abscess, blockage or fistula, or emergencies.
What should I eat?
During a flare you may be told to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet for a short time. Once recovered, a high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Current guidance does not require most people to avoid nuts or seeds.
Will I need a colonoscopy after diverticulitis?
Often, yes. A colonoscopy is commonly recommended after you recover, especially if you have not had a recent one, to check the rest of the colon.
Will I need a colostomy?
Most planned operations for diverticulitis reconnect the bowel. Emergency surgery sometimes requires a temporary ostomy that can often be reversed later.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.