For Trainees Why Colorectal Surgery? Colon and rectal surgery is limited enough in scope to allow a surgeon to be a specialist and broad enough to keep one stimulated with its variety of procedures and patients. The specialty provides an opportunity for career flexibility due to a wide range of complexity of cases and procedures. In addition, the colon and rectal surgery community is close knit, fostering longlasting personal and professional bonds. This media type is not supported by your browser. We hope that in making your ultimate career decision, you will consider colon and rectal surgery. Clinical Problems Treated by Colon and Rectal Surgeons Colon and rectal surgeons demonstrate the value-added benefit of a surgeon with specialized training for the following: ​Colon and rectal cancers, especially sphincter sparing surgery and total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancers. Diagnosis and treatment of complex anorectal and pelvic floor problems. Inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly ulcerative colitis and the surgical management of Crohn’s disease. Surgical treatment of complicated diverticular disease. Surgical options and treatments for rectal prolapse. Specialized procedures for fecal incontinence, such as sphincter repairs, sacral nerve stimulators and the artificial bowel sphincter. Colon and rectal surgeons also receive training in colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and anoscopy to complement their office and operative based practice. This combination of intra-abdominal cases, anorectal cases and endoscopy leads to a well-balanced practice and lifestyle.