Colorectal Surgery

An expert may review operative records, surgical video when available, postoperative imaging, pathology findings, and subsequent procedures to assess the location and nature of a bowel injury. The review may address when the injury was recognized, its possible mechanism, the repair or treatment performed, and whether the medical evidence supports a relationship between the injury and later complications.

Yes. A colon and rectal surgery expert witness may be appropriate when the dispute involves the creation, revision, reversal, or surgical complications of a colostomy or ileostomy. The expert may review the reason for diversion, the operative technique, postoperative findings, and complications related to the procedure.

Proctology is an older term traditionally associated with disorders of the rectum and anus. Modern specialty practice is generally described as colon and rectal surgery or colorectal surgery, which also includes diseases and procedures involving the colon. When selecting an expert, the physician’s current training, specialty, and experience with the specific condition or procedure are more important than the older terminology alone.