Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal Surgical Expertise

The colorectal surgery team offers expertise in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the anus, colon and rectum. The unparalleled experience and skill of our team and our state-of-the-art equipment enable us to achieve optimal results for our patients.

Our colorectal surgeons are recognized regionally and nationally as leaders in the field of minimally invasive, endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures as applied to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), colorectal cancer, and diverticulitis.

Our surgeons have mastered the surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders such as fecal incontinence and rectal prolapse by applying the newest minimally invasive techniques.

We have maintained a strong commitment to the surgical management of common anorectal disorders such as hemorrhoids, fissures and fistula disease at our state-of-the-art outpatient centers. Our surgical outcomes exceed national standards of excellence and safety.

A Team Approach to Colorectal Care

Our multidisciplinary team collaboration with departments such as radiology, gastroenterology, pathology, radiation therapy and oncology allows our physicians and surgeons seamless coordination of patient care.

Patient care is integrated with screening tests, prevention strategies, nutrition management, education and support services for patients and their families, as well as attention to quality-of-life issues. We place particular emphasis on procedures that avoid a permanent colostomy or ileostomy. 

Conditions We Treat

We evaluate, diagnose and treat a number of conditions, including:

• Colon cancer
  • Colon precancerous or malignant polyps 
• Rectal cancer
  • Rectal precancerous or malignant polyps
  • We hold the highest level of certification for rectal cancer treatment through the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). We are one of the only centers in the nation performing Ta-TME—a specialized technique for removing very low rectal cancers while preserving the anus and avoiding the need for a permanent colostomy. In addition, the division offers TEM (transanal endoscopic microsurgery), which enables the removal of rectal tumors without any abdominal incisions.
• Diverticulitis
• Anal dysplasia and anal cancer
• Rectal prolapse/ventral mesh rectopexy
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis)
• Benign anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Functional disorders such as fecal incontinence, prolapse and rectocele
• Ostomy dysfunctions or complications

Colorectal Surgery Services

Our comprehensive services include:

• Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance
• Endoscopic polyp removal
• Office anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy
• Treatments for hemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures
• Laparoscopic and robotic colon surgery
• Reconstructive intestinal surgery for diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and stoma complications
• High-resolution anoscopy techniques to treat anal dysplasia
• Abdominal surgeries

Our Technology and Facilities

We are equipped with a special anorectal physiology laboratory. Manometric studies, 3D anal ultrasound, and pudendal nerve studies can be performed to better understand and treat our patients' functional disorders. The lab can also be utilized for testing of pelvic floor problems, as well as for treatment, including biofeedback. Our endoscopy unit is fully equipped for screening, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of colorectal conditions. Our 3D endorectal ultrasound unit is used to properly stage and plan comprehensive treatment of rectal tumors.

Labs are located only at our Collyer Street and Rhode Island Hospital locations. The lab at Rhode Island Hospital is for physiology of fecal incontinence.

In addition, we have an advanced program in robotic surgery. This technique has revolutionized the approach to complex pelvic floor surgery involving patients with rectal cancer. The ability to carry out such precise surgical dissection and reconstruction has led to outstanding results in patient care. This state-of-the-art technique has also been applied to colon cancer surgery as well as diverticulitis and rectal prolapse.

Colorectal Surgery Resources

The following resources are available for patients:

• Colorectal Cancer Center at Brown University Health Cancer Institute
  https://www.brownhealth.org
• American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Patient Information
  https://www.fascrs.org
• American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer
  https://www.cancer.org
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance
  https://colorectalcancer.org
• Fight Colorectal Cancer
  https://fightcolorectalcancer.org