What is colorectal surgery?
Colorectal surgery focuses on treating diseases of the small and large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. Our surgeons have extensive training and experience with intestinal surgeries and offer minimally invasive techniques such as robotic and laparoscopic approaches.
A focus of colorectal surgery is caring for people who have colorectal cancer. We work closely with gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists in the area to create an individualized care plan for each patient.
Conditions treated:
- Anal Itching
- Anal Fissures
- Colon Cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Fistulas
- Hemorrhoids
- Perianal Abscess
- Pilonidal Cyst
- Polyps
- Rectal Cancer
- Rectal Prolapse
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a party of the large intestine, called the colon. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as a buildup of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps in general are not cancerous, but some can turn into cancer over time.
Polyps often don't cause symptoms. Because of this, we recommend regular screening tests to look for polyps in the colon. Finding and removing polyps helps prevent colon cancer.
If colon cancer develops, we are here to create an individualized treatment plan to treat the cancer. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and medicines, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
A colectomy is the most common surgery performed for colon cancer. Nearby lymph nodes are also removed. If only part of the colon is removed, it is called a hemicolectomy or partial colectomy. The surgeon takes out the part of the colon with the cancer and a small segment of normal colon on either side. Usually about a quarter to a third of the colon is removed. A colectomy is usually performed robotically, using smaller incisions and robotic tools which allow for a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.