News

The bottom line about bowel cancer

Nov 08, 2016

The number of bowel cancer cases is increasing in Australia as our population ages. By the end of December, an estimated 17,500 new cases of bowel cancer will have been diagnosed this year alone. In comparison, there were just 7,000 cases in 1982.

Greenslopes Private Hospital has a dedicated group of colorectal surgeons who have trained in Australia, Great Britain and the United States.

Dr Peter Gourlas said they are “highly trained in managing all aspects of colorectal conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and functional bowel disorders.”

“The management of these conditions is aided by the most advanced technology in the world, including the Da Vinci Xi robot,” said Dr Gourlas.

Greenslopes Private Hospital houses the Da Vinci Xi - the most current generation of devices for robotic surgery. It offers patients smaller incisions, less risk of infection and pain, and quicker recovery time than traditional open procedures.

Dr Gourlas said it is important for patients and their General Practitioners to recognise early warning signs of colorectal symptoms to improve the long-term outcome of the conditions.

“Symptoms such as a recent change in bowel motions (e.g. constipation, diarrhoea), increased frequency of bowel motions, narrow bowel motions, unintentional weight loss, and abdominal pain are all important,” said Dr Gourlas.

“Passing blood or mucous is not always just due to haemorrhoids, as it may be a warning sign of cancer. It is important for patients not to throw their Government Faecal Occult tests in the bin - as sadly many patients do, and then present at a point when their cancer is very advanced.”

Other conditions, such as diverticular disease, are also very prevalent in Australia with up to 33% of the population over the age of 60 suffering from the condition.

Click the following links to find more information about our colorectal surgeons or our general surgeons at Greenslopes Private Hospital.