Colon & rectal surgery

The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Staten Island University Hospital offers comprehensive and compassionate care for disorders of the colon, small intestine, rectum and anus.

We use state-of-the-art technologies like endorectal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and virtual colonoscopy to diagnose and assess the full spectrum of colon and rectal diseases. We offer surgical and nonsurgical treatment options using a team approach to develop your personalized care plan.

If surgery is part of your treatment, our board-certified surgeons are skilled in the most advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques designed to minimize pain and discomfort and shorten recovery time.

Our multidisciplinary team will look at your specific needs at each stage of treatment, working together to bring you the best possible outcome. Specialists involved in your care may include:

• Genetic counselors
• Medical oncologists
• Nurse navigators
• Nutritionists
• Pathologists
• Physical therapists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists
• Social workers

Our patient-focused care treats the whole person, not just the disease.

Most cancers develop because of genetic damage we sustain over a lifetime. When genes acquire defects that impact the cells’ ability to grow and divide properly, tumors form. Cancers that occur due to genetic changes we acquire over time are called sporadic. Approximately 70% to 80% of all cancers are considered to be sporadic.

Cancer that occurs in families more often than would be expected by chance is considered a familial cancer cluster. Familial clusters are believed to be due to a combination of risk factors including inherited susceptibility, environmental factors and chance. Cancer that results from genetic changes passed on from one generation to the next is considered hereditary. Approximately 5% to 10% of all cancers fall into this category.

A number of genetic defects have been found to be associated with hereditary colon cancer. These inherited genetic changes can result in an increased risk of developing colon cancer and other cancers. Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are two examples of inherited syndromes that are known to be associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer.

We offer genetic counseling services to those who may be at risk for an inherited cancer syndrome. Our experts provide personalized risk assessments, education and the opportunity for genetic testing when appropriate. These services and any necessary treatment are available at the Florina Cancer Center.

Benign disorders of the colon and rectum:

• Abscesses
• Anal condylomas
• Anal fissures
• Anal fistula
• Colonic dysmotility
• Constipation
• Diverticulitis
• Fecal incontinence
• Functional bowel disorders
• Hemorrhoids
• Pilonidal cysts
• Pouchitis
• Radiation injury of the intestine
• Rectal prolapse

Cancer disorders:

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Polyps or adenomas
• Retrorectal tumors

Inflammatory bowel disease:

• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Inherited colon and rectal syndromes:

• Familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP)
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC)