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Exceptional Treatment for Digestive Conditions.

Colorectal Surgery

Personalized surgical care for colon and rectal needs

Our colorectal surgeons focus on providing you with personalized, compassionate care. We use the most advanced and minimally invasive surgical techniques to diagnose and treat colon and anorectal conditions.

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Getting you back to what you value most

When you are seeking care for a colon or anorectal condition, you want a team that understands your needs and offers advanced treatment options designed to fit your goals. We are experts in the management of both benign and complex conditions, offering advanced surgical treatment in a discreet, compassionate environment.

Our colorectal specialists use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible, meaning smaller incisions, less scarring and easier recovery for you. Whatever your goals for treatment, we work with you to design a plan to relieve symptoms, ease pain and help improve your quality of life.

Expert colorectal surgeons caring for you

The colorectal surgeons at Novant Health are experts in the treatment of a wide variety of colon and anorectal conditions. Whether you need help for diverticular disease, fecal incontinence, anorectal disorders or colorectal cancer, the surgeons at Novant Health provide personalized care in a compassionate environment.

A colorectal surgeon is specially trained in all areas of colon and anorectal conditions and treatment. Colorectal surgeons have specialized residency that includes medical and surgical training. Many colorectal surgeons also pursue more specialized areas.

All the colorectal surgeons at Novant Health are board certified. This extra credential requires additional training, testing and a history of successful patient outcomes through documented patient surgeries.

If surgery is part of your treatment plan, you will have access to top colorectal surgeons trained to use the most advanced procedures, including minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery.

Preparing For Surgery

Common Colorectal Conditions

Conditions of the Colon

The colon is the main portion of your large intestine and connects to the rectum. Common colon conditions that may require surgery include:

Diverticular disease: This condition affects your large intestine. Small pouches develop that can be painful and disruptive if they become inflamed.
Crohn's disease: An inflammatory bowel disease causing chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to the anus.
Colon polyps: These small, abnormal cell growths are usually benign but can develop into colorectal cancer if not caught early.
Colorectal cancer: This type of cancer develops in the colon or rectum and can spread. Treatment typically includes surgery to remove tumors.
Ulcerative colitis: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease centered within the colon or large intestine.
Constipation: Occasional constipation is common, but chronic constipation can indicate a more severe condition, like a blockage in the colon or rectum. It can also result from a neurological disorder affecting the nerves that control your bowel movements.

Conditions of the Rectum

Based on your age, symptoms and medical history, your care team will work with you to recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Common rectal conditions that can be treated with surgery include:

Fecal incontinence: When you can't control your bowels, it can lead to unexpected leakage. Chronic incontinence often results from damage to the muscles or nerves that control your bowel movements. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Rectal prolapse: This condition is more common in women and those over 50, where a portion of the rectum slips outside the anus. Rectal prolapse can cause bowel incontinence, and you may need surgery to correct it.
Rectal cancer: This occurs when cancer cells form in the tissues of the rectum.
Rectal polyps: This small clump of cells forms on the lining of the colon. Most rectal polyps are harmless, but over time, some polyps can develop into colon cancer.

Conditions of the Anus

Novant Health colorectal specialists treat various conditions of the anus and perianal zone (the area surrounding the anus). Depending on your specific condition, your physician may recommend a surgical procedure.

Common anal conditions that can be treated by our surgeons include:

Anal abscess or fistula: A painful infection of the anus or surrounding area characterized by a buildup of pus.
Anal cancer: An abnormal growth of cancerous cells in or around the anal canal.
Anal fissure: A small tear in the lining of the anus.
Anal warts: Small growths caused by an HPV infection.
Hemorrhoids: Small swollen veins that develop in your anus or rectum that are painful and prone to bleeding.
Pilonidal disease: A cyst near the tailbone that can quickly become infected.
Pruritus ani: Itching in the perianal region that may be an isolated symptom or indicate an underlying condition.

Personalized, Private Care You Deserve

It can feel uncomfortable talking about digestive conditions, however, the team at Novant Health is here to listen to your concerns, support you and answer your questions.

Our board-certified colorectal surgeons are experts in diagnosing, treating and managing your colorectal condition discreetly and with sensitivity.

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The importance of colorectal screening

The incidence of certain lower digestive tract conditions increases as you age. Once you turn 45, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy, which uses a tiny camera to view the inside of your colon and check for tumors, polyps and other growths.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your primary care provider may recommend starting screening sooner. The survival rate for colorectal cancer is very good when it's detected in the early stages. That's why regular screenings are crucial.

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How often should I get checked?

If you aren't at risk of colorectal cancer, our specialists recommend a colonoscopy starting at age 45 then every ten years. If your family history shows you to be at a higher risk, your physician will instruct you to get checked more frequently.

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Nationally Recognized for Colorectal Care

Our team and facilities are nationally recognized for excellence in healthcare, offering some of the best colorectal care in the nation, including:

American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer accreditation
Certification of distinction by The Joint Commission for colorectal care
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC)
Recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) for the highest standards in cancer care
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)

Novant Health's Dr. Douglas is standing at a patient's bedside, talking as they prepare for surgery.

Safer, Faster Recovery With ERAS

Our surgeons adhere to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care pathway.

This means your entire care team follows scientific-based methods before, during and after surgery designed to reduce your pain, reduce your recovery time and enable you to go home faster.

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