Dr. Sean O Donovan
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Henrico, VA
36 years experience male
Locations
Office
Henrico, VA
Office
Henrico, VA
About
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
182 Answers
29 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
No, but...: In theory, the blocked fat absorption and oily stools will decrease colon exposure to environmental toxins by hurrying waste through the system (the u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Maybe: There are some genetic syndromes (see lynch) which link colon and ovarian ca, thus making one more susceptible if she carries the gene. If this applie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Different cell type: Colon polyps are benign or malignant growths of the cells of the inner lining of your GI tract (~20 feet long!), while hemorrhoids are located just in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
See a doctor!: Blood in stool has many causes, some benign, some worrisome, some bad. Only a doctor trained in evaluation of the GI tract can differentiate between t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
No!: Quite likely to inflame the sensitive anal tissues instead, so a lubricant made for this purpose is beat to use.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
As long as anyone: Early stage colon cancer, when found and treated appropriately, has an excellent 5 year survival rate (how we doctors compare 'cure' rates) . Of cours... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Maybe: The astringents in prep h that shrink hemorrhoids may also shrink the inflammation of a pimple, but there are far more appropriate medications availab... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
From top to bottom: Fodd is chewed (hopefully) in the mouth, and swallowed by coordinated muscular contractions in the mouth and throat, entering the esophagus, where the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Maybe: Rectal temps show core body temp, less likely to be affected by rapid breathing, drinking of liquids and other factors that can affect oral temps. Ear... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Not much!: Some of the compounds in prep h will reduce edema (part of the swelling in external hemorrhoids), but chronic (ie. Of long duration) hemorrhoids will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Yes but won't work: Safe? Yes, but effectiveness is another issue. See your ob/gyn for other options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Some yes, some no: Neoplasia is a general term to describe abnormal growth pattern, cancer-like, unregulated by normal bodily control systems. Some polyps are destined t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Probably: As you've probably had your exam already, you have probably found out your prep may not have been adequate due to not finishing your prep. Many times ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Upper/lower?: Upper=stomach endoscopy, usually no prep except not eating/drinking x 4 hrs, then sedation via iv, and doc puts scope through mouth and throat into st... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Don't worry!: Your symptoms are quite likely from a small irritated hemorrhoid or perhaps an anal fissure, both of which should respond to soothing cream/suppositor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Ask your doc!: Most appropriate for the doctors that have ordered all these tests to discuss the results with you, and give you a clue as to what they have found or ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Very rare at 22!: My youngest pt with colon ca is 21, so not unheard of, but quite rare still. Family history is the biggest risk factor, so if it is not in your family... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Yes, most docs can: Most hemorrhoids should first be treated by conservative measures, such as bulking the stools, education to avoid bad habits like straining, sitting f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Normal result: The green mucusy stuff is probably bile washed out of the small intestine by the laxative effect of the magnesium--you make about 2 liters of it daily... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Can't be fixed!: Colon cancer, diverticulitis, large polyps, crohn's or uc (ibd), ischemia, avm's, infections, ; these are all relatively common reasons to perform col... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Abnormal gowths : Neoplasia is a general term to describe abnormal growth pattern, cancer-like, unregulated by normal bodily control systems. Some colon polyps are dest... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
A few weeks: Generally the worst pain is only a couple of weeks, but very important to keep the bowels soft and use sitz baths, gentle hygiene (soft wipes and crea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
You can touch it: Around, to me, would mean you can touch anus (opening) and the other thing you are concerned with at the same time with the same hand.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Coccyx? Fistula?: A hard not movable lump here may be your coccyx (tailbone), often easily bruised in thin people, worsened by sitting. A mobile tender lump may be a cy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Anal fissure: Your symptoms sound like an anal fissure. Hard stools can tear the sensitive lining and cause exactly what you describe. Stool softeners, topical otc ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Yes, but only temp: Nsaids can cause ulceration of mucosa that mimics ibd, but stopping nsaids will allow the lining to heal, whereas ibd ulcers won't. Also, ibd ulcers... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Protect skin!: Hemorrhoids, particularly ones that protrude and 'leak' onto the skin often cause local raw skin which is likely responsible for the 'burn' you feel. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
No: Plavix is a blood thinner, and Crestor (rosuvastatin) is a cholesterol lowering agent. Although Crestor (rosuvastatin) may cause some constipation- (u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Depends on polyp: Some polyps are not precancerous and thus have no bearing on future development of colon ca. Others are, however, and your doctor should discuss your ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Scoping you out!: Endoscopy is a general term meaning inserting a lighted scope into you somewhere, usually further specified by a prefix like colonoscopy, ureteroscopy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Scoping you out!: Endoscopy is a general term meaning inserting a lighted scope into you somewhere, usually further specified by a prefix like colonoscopy, ureteroscopy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
It's ok: The probiotics deliver "good" bugs into your GI tract and should disappear before they reach your colon, which is obviously what the colonoscopy will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 57-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Lumpy bumpy: Google images will show you many scary images to satisfy your curiosity, but if you feel or see anything unusual at your anus, get checked! human papi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Get checked: Blood always needs an explanation, but is also common to many benign problems, like hemorrhoids, anal fissures and overall irritated lower GI tract fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Maybe...: Anal fistula may require an antibiotic to control it during early pregnancy, but surgery is the cure. Best to discuss any drug therapy with your obgyn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Clean & dry,: This sounds like pruritus ani, a common condition when the anus stays wet or is exposed too frequently to otc moistening creams, wipes, etc. Some dis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Yes?: Sounds like you already know the problem! your symptoms should go away after dealing with your constipation-if not, see a doctor!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Red/pink and shiny!: Ostomies are when the bowel/bladder are brought to the skin, and they should look like your normal insides, reddish pink and shiny. Sores or ulcers, d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Lots!: People have a 20-30% lifetime risk of growing a colon polyp! many never turn to cancer, and frequent checks should prevent most from turning to cancer... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
No: Glycerin is used for a mild stimulant/lubricant and has no effect on the brain-receptor pathway that controls nausea. However, if constipation is caus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
See a doc!!!: Many possible causes for your blood exist, most of which are benign. Not all blood is from cancer, especially at your age, so most likey you have a b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 72-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
The experienced one!: Most gynecologists, colon & rectal surgeons and some general surgeons are trained to repair these, but some have more experience than others. Ask your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
OK to wait if...: No symptoms (eg. Bleeding, unexplained weight loss, change in bm's), not in a high risk group (eg. Family history of colon neoplasia, ibd, immunosuppr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Perhaps: Metastatic colon cancer can go to the brain or spine and thus cause difficulty walking, but it, or the treatment for it, can also cause electrolyte di... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 64-year-old male asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Yes: Residual prep, residual lubricant or irritation may cause some minor leakage for a few days after colonoscopy, but if it persists, let your doctor kno... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Hard to say: Constipation (going <3 x week or with difficulty) has many causes, with diet and other medications you take playing a significant role in why you go s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Bugs, bugs , bugs: Most GI tract infections (gastroenteritis) are caused by bacterial or viral contamination of what we eat. Proper hand washing , food prep techniques ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Depends...: Stool softeners come in many forms (fiber, chemical and 'natural'), all trying to increase the water content of your stools, as opposed to laxatives t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
......?: The causes of abdominal pain are myriad, especially in your age group! see your doctor to give more specifics and address your concerns.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Sean O Donovananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 36 years experience
Possibly: The strains of bacteria that live in/around the anus are often much more virulent(=aggressive) than those that typically live in the mouth. Std's are ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
404
Thank you notes
Oct 23, 2013
Fast, Fantastic answers to often complex questions, truly an asset to the Medical Community. A true national leader in Colon and rectal Surgery. Highly recommended
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. O Donovan is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. O Donovan is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I just posted a question this afternoon asking how MUCH aspirin. I began with 2 full strength 7 1/2 years ago and wonder if I should decrease dosage now.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Dear Dr. Donovan,
Your answer is appreciated. In the last months during sports season, eating lots of -junk- i've noticed Hemmoroids, and Polyps ?
HealthTap member
Thankyou for taking the time to answer my question.....also what would the rectum pain be caused from I have not had a flare up for over 3.5
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA
Graduated 1987MD
Awards
Top Colorectal Surgeon , First Place, Virginia - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Third Place, Richmond Region, VA - Summer
2013
Top Colorectal Surgeon , First Place, Virginia - Summer
2013
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