Procedure · General Surgery
ColorectalSurgery
Cancer, diverticular disease, polyps, and anorectal conditions. Laparoscopic when possible.
Colorectal surgery covers a wide range of operations — from quick outpatient hemorrhoid treatments to formal colon resections for cancer or severe diverticulitis. At Sulphur Surgical Clinic we perform the full spectrum, use minimally invasive techniques whenever the situation allows, and coordinate closely with our partner hospitals across Southwest Louisiana.
What we treat.
- Colorectal cancer — surgical removal is the primary curative treatment for most colon and rectal cancers
- Diverticular disease — for recurrent diverticulitis or complications such as abscess, perforation, or fistula
- Large or non-removable polyps — when polypectomy at colonoscopy isn't possible
- Severe hemorrhoidal disease — see anorectal procedures below
- Inflammatory bowel disease complications — strictures, fistulas, refractory disease
- Anal fissures and abscesses
Surgical approaches.
Laparoscopic colectomy
A small camera and instruments through several small incisions. For most patients, minimally invasive colon resection means less pain, faster return of bowel function, and shorter hospital stay than traditional open surgery.
Open colectomy
A larger incision is sometimes the right approach — for example, in emergency situations, after multiple previous abdominal surgeries, or when the disease is particularly extensive. Your surgeon will explain why a specific approach is being recommended.
Anorectal procedures
Same-day outpatient procedures for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other anorectal conditions. Options range from rubber-band ligation to surgical hemorrhoidectomy depending on severity and prior treatment.
What recovery looks like.
Anorectal procedures are typically outpatient with a return to most activity within a week. Colon resections usually involve 2–4 days in the hospital while bowel function recovers, then several weeks of gradually expanding activity at home. Minimally invasive approaches have meaningfully shortened these timeframes compared to traditional open surgery.
Screening matters. Most colon cancers begin as polyps and grow slowly. Regular colonoscopy — beginning at age 45 for most adults — catches polyps before they become cancer. See our AI-assisted colonoscopy page for the most advanced screening option in Southwest Louisiana.
Why Sulphur Surgical Clinic
Care close to home, by surgeons who have practiced here for decades.
i.
Three board-certified surgeons
Drs. Devin Seale, Stephen Castleberry, and Matthew Ayo — all MD, FACS, board-certified in General Surgery, in active full-time clinical practice and accepting new patients.
ii.
Two locations across Southwest Louisiana
Main office on Cypress Street in Sulphur; vein center satellite on West Sale Road in Lake Charles. Procedures performed in partnership with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center.
iii.
50 years caring for Calcasieu Parish
Founded in 1975, locally owned, family-run. Faster scheduling than hospital-based centers and a personal, surgeon-led experience — not a corporate system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patients ask about this procedure.
What conditions does colorectal surgery treat?
We perform surgery for colorectal cancer, diverticular disease (especially recurrent diverticulitis or complications), large or non-removable colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease complications, severe hemorrhoidal disease, and anorectal conditions. Each operation is tailored to the specific diagnosis and how much of the colon is involved.
What is a colon resection?
Colon resection (colectomy) removes the affected segment of the colon and reconnects the healthy ends. Depending on what's being treated and where, this may be a partial colectomy (right, left, sigmoid, or transverse) or — less commonly — a total colectomy. Most modern colectomies are performed laparoscopically when the situation allows.
Are all colorectal surgeries major procedures?
No. The range is wide. Anorectal procedures (hemorrhoidectomy, hemorrhoid banding, anal fissure treatment) are typically same-day outpatient procedures with quick recovery. Colon resections are larger operations with a hospital stay, but minimally invasive techniques have meaningfully shortened the recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Is a colonoscopy required before surgery?
Almost always, yes. A colonoscopy lets us see and biopsy any lesions, locate them precisely, and check the rest of the colon for additional disease. If you're scheduled for colorectal surgery without a recent colonoscopy, your surgeon will arrange one. See our pages on colonoscopy and AI-assisted colonoscopy for more.
What is recovery like?
Recovery depends on the procedure. Anorectal procedures generally allow normal activity within a week. Colon resections involve a few days in the hospital while the bowel begins functioning, then several weeks of gradual return to normal activity. Most patients return to a normal diet by the end of the hospital stay. We give procedure-specific instructions and stay in close contact during recovery.
Will I need a colostomy?
The large majority of colorectal operations do not require a colostomy. Some specific situations — emergency surgery for severe diverticulitis or certain rectal cancer operations — may need a temporary or permanent stoma. If that's a possibility in your case, your surgeon will explain it clearly during the consultation, not on the day of surgery.
Why choose Sulphur Surgical Clinic?
Colorectal procedures range from quick outpatient hemorrhoid treatments to multi-hour colectomies. We perform the full range, use minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, and coordinate closely with our partner facilities at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center. You get surgeon-led care and continuity from consultation through follow-up.
Ready to schedule?
Most patients are seen within two weeks.
Sulphur main office: (337) 527-6363
Lake Charles vein center: (337) 425-9300