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Richard Billingham

Bio

Dr. Richard Billingham is a Board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at the Swedish Cancer Institute.  He is a nationally recognized leader in the field of colon and rectal surgery, and often travels within the U.S. and internationally to lecture at major scientific meetings.  He treats problems of the colon and rectum, such as hemorrhoids, fecal incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, as well as diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer of the colon, rectum and anus.  Dr. Billingham considers screening and prevention of colorectal cancer as one of the most important aspects of his work.  Dr. Billingham's approach to treatment involves making an accurate diagnosis, then considering treatment options and finding the simplest option that works.. Dr. Billingham works with colleagues in his own field, as well as those of other specialties, to determine the best treatment plans. 



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Swedish

Location:

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Activity

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:
    New DNA Test Shows Promise for Spotting Colon Cancer

    TUESDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have developed a new DNA test for colorectal cancer and for cancer precursors that seems to be not only accurate, but also noninvasive.

    If approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, experts say, the test could be a welcome alternativ...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:
    Coffee May Speed Up Bowel Recovery From Colon Surgery

    FRIDAY, Oct. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking coffee instead of water may restore normal bowel function more quickly among people who have had surgery to remove part of their colon, a new study suggests.

    Researchers at University Hospital Heidelberg, in Germany,...Full Article

  • Sharecare News
    Sharecare News posted a story about Colon & Rectal Surgery:
    Missing Follow-Up Colonoscopies Could Raise Colon Cancer Risk

    THURSDAY, Aug. 23 (HealthDay News) -- People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer may be able to reduce their risk by getting thorough colonoscopies and adhering to recommendations for follow-up exams, a new study suggests.

    Researchers in Germany looked at more than 400 people w...Full Article

  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What causes pilonidal cyst?

    Some people are born with a small abnormal area under the skin, which later can develop into a pilonidal cyst. In other cases, the cyst may develop from ingrown hairs between the buttocks.

    In most people, there is no definite way to tell whether the cyst has been present from birth or has developed

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What causes pilonidal cyst?

    Some people are born with a small abnormal area under the skin, which later can develop into a pilonidal cyst. In other cases, the cyst may develop from ingrown hairs between the buttocks.

    In most people, there is no definite way to tell whether the cyst has been present from birth or has developed

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are possible complications of colon polyp removal?

    Complications during the removal of colon polyps are quite rare but worth mentioning.

    The most important of these are delayed bleeding and perforation of the intestinal wall. A small amount of blood (a teaspoonful or less) is relatively common, but a larger amount may occur in one or two of every

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What does surgery for anal fissures involve?

    Surgery for anal fissures usually consists of a procedure that cuts a portion of the internal anal muscle. This does not interfere with the ability to control bowel movements. The procedure usually can be performed in an outpatient setting without requiring an overnight hospital stay.

    There is minimal

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
    The symptoms of colorectal cancer are bleeding, constipation, and general changes in the bowel movement. Yet, in most cases, there are no symptoms for colorectal cancer, which is why for the average risk individual should have a regular colonoscopy starting at the age of 50.  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What causes pilonidal cyst?

    Some people are born with a small abnormal area under the skin, which later can develop into a pilonidal cyst. In other cases, the cyst may develop from ingrown hairs between the buttocks.

    In most people, there is no definite way to tell whether the cyst has been present from birth or has developed

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are the different types of hemorrhoids?

    Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the anus. The most common symptoms are bleeding during movements or protrusion through the anus upon straining.

    External hemorrhoids develop around the anus and can be very painful, especially if a blood clot develops within them. They can be felt as a firm lump

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are the risks of using laxatives to treat constipation?

    Prolonged daily use of stimulant laxatives (usually over the course of several years) may be damaging to the muscles of the intestine itself.

    There are several types of true laxatives including osmotic laxatives (Milk of Magnesia or Miralax), lubricants (mineral oil) and stimulant laxatives (cascara

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are the complications of diverticulitis?

    Complications of diverticulitis can include complete colon perforation, fistulas (tunnels) to the bladder or vagina, and narrowing or blockage of the intestine. Surgery is almost always required in these serious cases.

    Bleeding typically does not occur with diverticulitis but can occur from one

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are possible complications of colon polyp removal?

    Complications during the removal of colon polyps are quite rare but worth mentioning.

    The most important of these are delayed bleeding and perforation of the intestinal wall. A small amount of blood (a teaspoonful or less) is relatively common, but a larger amount may occur in one or two of every

    ...  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
    The symptoms of colorectal cancer are bleeding, constipation, and general changes in the bowel movement. Yet, in most cases, there are no symptoms for colorectal cancer, which is why for the average risk individual should have a regular colonoscopy starting at the age of 50.  Full Post
  • Richard Billingham
    Richard Billingham of Swedish answered:
    What does surgery for anal fissures involve?

    Surgery for anal fissures usually consists of a procedure that cuts a portion of the internal anal muscle. This does not interfere with the ability to control bowel movements. The procedure usually can be performed in an outpatient setting without requiring an overnight hospital stay.

    There is minimal

    ...  Full Post