Mediclinic Durbanville Colorectal Unit: Leading Colorectal Care in South Africa

Your Digestive Health Journey: Comprehensive Care at Durbanville Colorectal Unit

We understand that navigating the world of digestive health can feel overwhelming, especially when facing conditions like colon cancer. At Mediclinic Durbanville’s Colorectal Unit, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our team of highly skilled colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and dedicated nurses combine expertise with compassionate care to provide you with the best possible experience and clinical outcomes.

Our Specialised Services

We offer a complete range of services for a variety of digestive conditions, ensuring that you receive individualised care tailored to your specific needs:

• Colon and Rectal Health:
  • Colon Cancer: From diagnosis and staging to treatment and long term positive outcomes, we offer comprehensive care for colon cancer. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery, which can result in less pain, smaller incisions, and a faster return to your normal activities.
  • Rectal Cancer: We understand the sensitive nature of rectal cancer and offer a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Our team is skilled in sphincter-preserving surgery and other advanced techniques to ensure the best possible quality of life for our clients.
  • Diverticulitis:  Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in your colon become inflamed or infected. Treatment options to manage this condition include medication, dietary changes, and minimally invasive surgery when necessary.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): For those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Oor team will work with you to develop a personalised management plan that may include medication, surgery, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Other Conditions: Our colorectal team are able to support a variety of other colon and rectal conditions, such as polyps (growths in the colon), anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence (difficulty controlling bowel movements).
• Oncology Services:
  • Our dedicated oncology team provides comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care. We work closely with our surgical colleagues to ensure a seamless and coordinated treatment plan. Our oncologists are experienced in managing a wide range of cancers, with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies.
• Hernia Repair:
  • Hernias occur when an organ pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or tissue. Our team provides expert surgical repair for all types of hernias, including inguinal hernias (in the groin), femoral hernias (in the upper thigh), umbilical hernias (at the belly button), and incisional hernias (occurring at the site of a previous surgical incision). Our doctors also have extensive experience in complex abdominal wall reconstructions for more complicated cases and are skilled in various hernia repair techniques, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, to minimise pain and scarring.

Protecting Your Colon Health

Colon cancer is often preventable with regular screening. We offer a range of screening options to detect colon cancer early, when it is most treatable:

• Colonoscopy: This is the most effective method for colon cancer screening. It allows us to visualize the inside of your colon, identify any abnormalities, and remove polyps (precancerous growths) before they can develop into cancer.
• Other Screening Tests: We also offer fecal occult blood tests (which detect hidden blood in your stool) and stool DNA tests as part of our comprehensive colon cancer screening program.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

We utilise the latest diagnostic technology to accurately assess your digestive health and pinpoint the cause of your symptoms:

• Endoscopy: This involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your digestive tract. We offer different types of endoscopy procedures:
  • Gastroscopy: To view the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
  • ERCP: To examine the bile ducts and pancreatic duct.
  • Double-Balloon Endoscopy: To visualise the small intestine in its entirety.
  • Endoscopic Ultrasound: To obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
  • Video Capsule Endoscopy: A small capsule with a camera is swallowed, allowing us to view the small intestine as it passes through your digestive system.
• Pelvic Floor Ultrasound: This specialised ultrasound examines the muscles and tissues that support your pelvic organs, helping to diagnose conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and fecal incontinence.
• Liver Tests: We offer non-invasive Fibroscan and liver biopsy to evaluate your liver health and diagnose liver conditions.
• Esophageal Function Test (High-Resolution Manometry): This test measures the pressure and muscle activity in your esophagus, helping to diagnose swallowing disorders.
• Breath Tests: We use breath tests to detect conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and lactose intolerance.
• Advanced Imaging:
  • MRI: Provides highly detailed images of your organs and tissues, often used for staging rectal cancer and assessing pelvic floor function.
  • CT Scan: Creates 3D images of your body for diagnostic purposes.

Recognising the Warning Signs

We encourage you to pay attention to your body and seek medical advice if you experience any of the following unexpected symptoms:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: A noticeable change in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency or frequency.
• Rectal Bleeding: Bright red blood or dark, tarry stools.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Persistent or recurring pain in your abdomen.
• Anemia (Low Iron Levels): Feeling tired, weak, or short of breath.
• A Lump or Bulge in the Abdomen or Groin: A noticeable swelling or protrusion.

Meet Our Specialists

Our team of highly qualified specialists is committed to providing you with personalised, compassionate care:

Contact Us Today

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns about your digestive health. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your outcome and quality of life.

Visit our website for more information: ColorectalSurgery.co.za