Colorectal Surgery

Bowel problems such as constipation and abdominal pain not only can disrupt your daily life, but also have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. At AHN, we’re here to help. 

About AHN Colorectal Surgery Division 

Our colorectal surgeons are trained to compassionately care for common and complex conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and pelvic floor. We help with bowel problems including IBS, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, genetic disorders and polyposis syndromes, pelvic floor disorders, and colon, rectal, and anal cancer. We also offer treatment for benign rectal diseases such as rectal prolapse, constipation, diarrhea, fistulas, and hemorrhoids.

Why choose AHN for colorectal surgery?

Our surgeons are all board-certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery — the highest level of colorectal surgical training. In addition to this extensive training, AHN surgeons are mindful and compassionate of each person’s needs. They see you through your personalized treatment plan.

Other highlights of our colorectal surgery program include:

  • Extensive colorectal training: After our colorectal surgeons became general surgeons, they went through an intensive program focused on diagnosing and treating colon and rectum diseases — lending even more training, information, and insights into caring for complex colon and rectal diseases. In addition, all AHN colorectal surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, ensuring they have specialized expertise and meet rigorous quality and safety standards.
  • Surgical expertise: Any surgery can cause worry. AHN surgeons are here to help alleviate that worry through their extensive training and expertise — and compassion. Using some of the most groundbreaking surgical techniques and procedures, surgeries at AHN use less invasive methods. For example, our transanal surgical approach to rectal surgery can successfully treat rectal cancer in a less invasive way through the natural orifice, resulting in organ preservation and retained function. It also preserves key rectal function, so patients may not need a colostomy bag to rid their body of waste after surgery.
  • Robotics training: Using the latest in robotics technology, our surgeons can precisely and skillfully perform colorectal procedures that are less invasive than other methods. Our colorectal surgeons are among the most experienced in the U.S. at treating certain gastrointestinal diseases using sophisticated robotics technology.
  • Team mindset: Our colorectal surgeons work alongside AHN’s large network of skilled physicians, from gastroenterologists to cancer specialists. Our multidisciplinary teams meet regularly to ensure individualized treatment plans are well-developed and organized. With such an organized care team, you’re able to get more complete comprehensive and individualized care for complex problems.
  • Advanced technology: We use sophisticated equipment, such as endorectal ultrasound and high-resolution anoscopy that aren’t widely available in the area. This technology paired with our specialists’ expertise helps us diagnose disease in earlier stages when it’s more treatable. And allows our specialists to consider less invasive, more effective, and more precise treatment plans, such as transanal surgery and organ preservation.
  • Convenience: You can undergo many diagnostic tests and minor procedures, such as hemorrhoid banding (a less-invasive hemorrhoid treatment), in our outpatient offices. With this, you get the care you need in a clinical setting, but then are able to rest and recover comfortably at home.
  • Robust research program: Our physicians are dedicated to finding a cure for difficult-to-treat colorectal diseases. As our patient, you may be able to participate in a clinical trial study.

No buts: Book a colonoscopy

“But, I feel healthy.” “But, the prep is awful.” We all have our excuses — but a lifesaving colonoscopy is a lot easier than you think.

Comprehensive cancer screening

Cancer screening can save lives by detecting — and sometimes even preventing — cancer. We offer advanced cancer screening services at locations throughout our area.

Colon cancer screening

We provide comprehensive colonoscopy services to prevent and diagnose colon cancer. Screenings are available at many locations throughout the tristate area. Preventing and treating colon cancer starts with regular screenings. If it’s determined you need colon surgery or rectal surgery, the information found from your screening will help in your personalized care plan.

Anal cancer screening

We use a specialized screening test called high-resolution anoscopy to detect anal cancer at early stages — when treatment is most effective.

Our Colon and Rectal Cancer Center of Excellence

AHN is the first health system in the region to be designated as a Rectal Cancer Center of Excellence by the Commission on Cancer — a consortium dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. Our colorectal surgeons are treating colon, rectal, and anal cancers in promising new ways. They work alongside our multidisciplinary cancer specialists to provide every patient their best chance at a successful result at our Colon and Rectal Cancer Center of Excellence.

Colorectal surgery treatment and care

We diagnose and treat a broad range of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions that affect the colon, rectum, anus, and small intestine. We often work closely with different specialists, such as gastroenterologists (physicians who focus on digestive health concerns) and cancer specialists. This approach helps us address every way a condition may affect your health.

Cancer treatment

Our surgeons are committed to preserving as much of the colon and bowel function as possible using state-of-the-art, minimally invasive techniques when treating cancer.

Types of cancers we may treat include:

Hemorrhoids

When changes to your diet or topical treatments aren’t enough for your hemorrhoid treatment, surgery may be needed