Comprehensive Colorectal Care

At Catholic Health, our team of board-certified colorectal surgeons and multidisciplinary experts are committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care for colon and rectal conditions.

We use the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, to provide the most advanced treatments to help reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. If surgery is necessary, our team of experts will provide the highest standard of specialized care to treat your individual condition.

Advanced Surgical Treatments for Cancer of the Colon, Rectum and Anus

At Catholic Health, our colorectal surgeons are part of a multidisciplinary team that provides comprehensive care for patients with cancer. They work closely with oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed for each individual patient.

Surgical Treatment Tailored to Your Needs

At Catholic Health, we utilize a full spectrum of surgical techniques to treat our patients. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all; it is tailored to your specific diagnosis and medical history. Depending on the severity of your condition, your health, and your preferences, a minor procedure or minimally invasive surgery may be recommended as the best course of treatment.

Colon and Rectal Patient

Conditions We Treat

We provide comprehensive treatment for a wide range of colon, rectal, and anal conditions, including:

  • Cancers of the colon, rectum and anus
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)
  • Diverticular Diseases: Diverticulitis and diverticulosis
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anorectal Disorders: Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and abscesses
  • Functional Disorders: Rectal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, rectocele, and fecal incontinence

Diagnostic Screenings

Specialized tests and procedures are performed to collect additional information and help detect any diseases, polyps, or infections so your physician can accurately diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan. These tests may include:

  • Colonoscopy: An examination of the colon, rectum and anus using a flexible tube and a tiny camera to detect (and in some cases remove) polyps, and search for cancer or other abnormalities.
  • Proctosigmoidoscopy (Flexible or Rigid): Endoscopic examination of the sigmoid colon, rectum and anus
  • Anoscopy: A diagnostic, office-based exam that looks inside the anus with a lighted scope.
  • Radiology tests including MRI,CT Scans, X-rays, and Ultrasound: These tests show detailed images of different structures and internal areas; often used to determine if cancer cells have spread.
Colonoscopy

Surgical Approaches

Robotic Surgery

 

Colon and rectal surgery includes a wide range of surgical interventions that treat conditions affecting the lower digestive tract, from hemorrhoids to diverticulitis to cancer.
Minimally Invasive Surgery

Less invasive than traditional surgical techniques, the laparoscopic and robotic approach offers a quicker, easier recovery for patients because there is less blood loss, less scarring, less pain, and a lower risk of infection. However, your surgeon will decide the safest surgical approach for your condition.

  • Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a laparoscope to operate through several small incisions in the abdomen.
  • Robotic-Assisted Colorectal Surgery: A form of minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic arm that the surgeon controls from a console, offering our surgeons a 3D, high-definition view and a 360-degree range of motion when operating.
Traditional Open Surgery

Our surgeons prioritize minimally invasive methods whenever possible, however, traditional open surgery remains a vital and safe option. Depending on the individual patient, their condition, and health history, this may be the preferred choice for patients with extensive scar tissue from previous surgeries, very large tumors, or other complex anatomical factors.

Colorectal Procedures and Surgery

Colorectal Procedures 

These minimally invasive colorectal procedures may take place in an office or outpatient setting and include:

  • Hemorrhoid Treatment Procedures: The removal of hemorrhoids by rubber band ligation or surgical removal, depending on the symptoms and hemorrhoid grading.
  • Polypectomy: The removal of colon and rectal polyps via colonoscopy.
  • Treatment for an anal fistula, fissure, and perirectal abscess (boil)
Surgical Procedures

The board-certified colorectal surgeons at Catholic Health perform a wide array of surgical procedures including:

  • Partial Colectomy: Removal of a diseased section of the colon; the remaining healthy parts of the colon are then reconnected.
  • Total Colectomy: Removal of the entire colon. Typically used for widespread disease affecting the entire colon.
  • Proctocolectomy: The removal of both the colon and rectum. This procedure may be necessary for patients with extensive disease affecting both areas.
  • Creation of ileal J-pouch: A neo-rectum made of small intestine to avoid a permanent stoma.
  • Colostomy/Ileostomy: This surgery creates an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to pass through the intestine into a bag outside the body. It may be temporary or permanent.
  • Strictureplasty: This surgery is performed to widen the narrowing in the intestine that is typically caused by inflammation from Crohn’s disease.
  • Rectopexy: A surgical procedure used to correct rectal prolapse.

We also treat parastomal hernia, stoma prolapse, and other stoma-related issues.

Surgery for Colon and/or Rectal Cancer 

These surgical procedures focus on removing the tumor while sparing healthy tissue based on the primary location of the tumor. Surgical techniques may include:

  • Abdominoperineal resection (APR) Surgery to remove the anus, rectum, and part of the colon through abdominal and perineal incisions.
  • Low anterior resection (LAR): Surgery to remove the cancerous section of the rectum, while preserving the anal sphincter muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on your condition and overall health, your physician will evaluate your specific symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic test results to determine if surgery is appropriate.

While timing for all procedures may vary, most colorectal resections take between 2–4 hours. Our surgeons prioritize precision and safety over speed. Minor procedures may take less time to complete.

All major colorectal surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory setting.

As with any surgery, there are risks and possible complications associated with colorectal surgery. Although uncommon, risks may include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Injury to your bladder or other organs

Discuss your concerns with your surgeon prior to your procedure.

Specific post-surgery practices will vary for each individual. Managing pain is critical after colorectal surgery, and your health care team will work with you to address your pain.

Sitting up and movement may be encouraged as soon as you can tolerate. A limited diet may be introduced immediately after surgery and advanced as you tolerate. The hospital stay is usually 3–5 days for minimally invasive surgery and 5–7 days for open surgery. However, these timelines are based on your recovery, including how fast you tolerate diet and demonstrate bowel function.

Discharge instructions will be provided when you are ready to leave the hospital.

Find Care at Catholic Health

The experienced Colon and Rectal surgical team at Catholic Health is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to treat all pathologies involving the colon, rectum or anus.

If you or a loved one requires colorectal surgery, understanding your options and the different types of procedures we offer, can help ease your concerns and prepare you for the journey ahead. 

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).