Colon Cancer & Diverticulitis Surgery
Colorectal surgery
Dr. Campbell provides surgical evaluation and treatment for a wide range of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and surrounding tissues. His expertise includes both routine and complex colorectal procedures, using advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate.
Colon cancer surgery
Surgical treatment of colon cancer, including robotic, laparoscopic, and open colon resections when indicated.
Diverticulitis & diverticular disease
Surgical management of recurrent, complicated, or severe diverticulitis, including elective and emergency colon resections.
- Benign & malignant colon conditions: colon masses, large or unresectable polyps, benign tumors, and other diseases of the colon requiring surgery.
- Colon resection & reconstruction: partial colectomy, segmental colon resection, and intestinal anastomosis.
- Bowel obstruction: surgical treatment of large bowel obstruction and other intestinal conditions requiring an operation.
- Anorectal conditions: see hemorrhoids & anorectal surgery.
Gastrointestinal & abdominal surgery
Dr. Campbell provides comprehensive surgical care for a broad range of gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal conditions, including:
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Appendicitis and appendiceal disorders
- Small bowel and intestinal conditions; bowel obstruction and abdominal adhesions
- Benign and malignant gastrointestinal conditions
- Gastrointestinal masses and tumors; intra-abdominal masses, cysts, and lesions
- Gastric and intestinal disorders requiring surgery
- Splenic disorders requiring surgical evaluation or splenectomy
- Other complex abdominal and gastrointestinal conditions
Whenever appropriate, Dr. Campbell uses robotic-assisted and minimally invasive approaches to reduce surgical trauma and facilitate recovery. At your consultation, Dr. Campbell will review your imaging and history and discuss whether a robotic, laparoscopic, or open approach is best for you.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Campbell operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Can colon cancer be prevented?
Screening helps. Most colon cancers start as polyps, and removing polyps during a colonoscopy can prevent them from turning into cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
How is colon cancer treated with surgery?
The usual operation is a colon resection (colectomy): the surgeon removes the part of the colon with the cancer and nearby lymph nodes, then reconnects the healthy ends. Many operations can be done with minimally invasive techniques.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Most colon resections reconnect the bowel, so a bag is not needed. Some patients need a temporary or, less often, permanent ostomy. Your surgeon will discuss this with you before surgery.
Will I need chemotherapy?
It depends on the stage of the cancer found after surgery. If more treatment is recommended, your surgeon works with a medical oncologist.
What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis means small pouches have formed in the colon wall, which is common with age and often causes no symptoms. Diverticulitis is when one or more pouches become inflamed or infected.
Does everyone with diverticulitis need surgery?
No. Many episodes are treated without surgery. Surgery is considered for repeated episodes that affect your life, complications such as an abscess, blockage or fistula, or emergencies.
What should I eat?
During a flare you may be told to follow a liquid or low-fiber diet for a short time. Once recovered, a high-fiber diet is generally recommended. Current guidance does not require most people to avoid nuts or seeds.
Will I need a colonoscopy after diverticulitis?
Often, yes. A colonoscopy is commonly recommended after you recover, especially if you have not had a recent one, to check the rest of the colon.
Will I need a colostomy?
Most planned operations for diverticulitis reconnect the bowel. Emergency surgery sometimes requires a temporary ostomy that can often be reversed later.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.