What is colorectal surgery?
Colorectal surgery treats diseases of the large intestine (colon), rectum and anus. These include colon and rectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis), large polyps and rectal prolapse.
Minimally invasive techniques allow the affected segment of bowel to be removed and re-joined through small incisions, with magnified vision that helps protect nerves and achieve complete cancer clearance. Robotic surgery adds particular precision for delicate rectal and pelvic work, supporting better recovery of bowel, bladder and sexual function.
Symptoms & when surgery is needed
How it is diagnosed
- Colonoscopy with biopsy to diagnose cancer, polyps or inflammation
- CT scan / CT colonography to stage disease and plan surgery
- MRI of the rectum for accurate staging of rectal cancer
- Blood tests, tumour markers and fitness assessment before surgery
Treatment options
Laparoscopic colectomy
Keyhole removal of a diseased segment of colon with re-joining of the bowel.
Robotic rectal surgery
Precise robotic dissection in the pelvis for rectal cancer, protecting nerves and continence.
Surgery for diverticular / IBD disease
Removal of affected bowel for complicated diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Rectal prolapse repair
Laparoscopic or robotic rectopexy to correct a prolapsing rectum.
The procedure, step by step
- 1
Staging & planning
Colonoscopy and imaging define the disease; a plan is discussed, often with a multidisciplinary team for cancer.
- 2
Anaesthesia & access
Under general anaesthesia, keyhole ports are placed or the robot is docked.
- 3
Resection
The diseased bowel segment is removed with the appropriate margins and lymph nodes for cancer.
- 4
Reconstruction
The bowel ends are re-joined (anastomosis); a temporary stoma is occasionally needed and always discussed in advance.
- 5
Enhanced recovery
An enhanced-recovery pathway supports early eating, mobilisation and a shorter hospital stay.
Recovery timeline
3–5 days
Hospital stay with early mobilisation and a graded return to eating.
2 weeks
Light activity at home; wound checks and follow-up.
4–6 weeks
Return to work and normal routine for most patients.
Individualised
Cancer patients continue surveillance and any further treatment as planned.
Risks & considerations
- General risks of major abdominal surgery and anaesthesia
- Anastomotic leak (leak at the bowel join) — uncommon and monitored closely
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent stoma depending on the disease
- Change in bowel frequency that usually settles with time
Cost in Hyderabad
| Procedure | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopic colectomy | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,75,000 |
| Robotic rectal cancer surgeryVaries with stage & reconstruction | ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Rectal prolapse repair (rectopexy) | ₹1,75,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
| Surgery for diverticular / IBD diseaseDepends on extent of disease | On assessment |
These are indicative ranges for Hyderabad and vary with the grade or complexity of the condition, the technique chosen, implants used, room category and insurance. They are not a quotation. Please contact the clinic for a personalised estimate after consultation.
Why choose Dr. Satish Reddy
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Many colon and rectal cancers are treated laparoscopically or robotically, with the same oncological principles as open surgery — complete removal with adequate margins and lymph nodes — but with less pain and a faster recovery.
Most colorectal operations do not need a permanent stoma. A temporary stoma is sometimes used to protect a low bowel join and is reversed later. Whether one is needed is always discussed with you before surgery.
The rectum sits deep in the narrow pelvis. Robotic instruments give magnified 3D vision and wristed precision that help protect the nerves controlling continence, bladder and sexual function while achieving complete cancer clearance.
With an enhanced-recovery pathway, many patients eat and walk on the first day and go home within three to five days, depending on the operation and their overall recovery.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Y. Satish Reddy
MS, PDF (Surgical Gastroenterology) · Updated 1 September 2026