Clinical Expertise

At UCI, a special multidisciplinary team consisting of surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists delivers innovative therapies for cancers of the large intestine, rectum and anus (usually detected at either a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy), including metastatic disease within the abdomen. Our faculty employ both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopic and robotic approaches) to treat these conditions. 

In addition, at UCI we have a comprehensive multidisciplinary program treating patients with Lynch syndrome (a hereditary colorectal cancer also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) who are at higher risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. For such patients, our program provides early screening colonoscopies, upper endoscopy and other indicated evaluations to identify and prevent any cancers that may develop, including family screening.

For susceptible cancers that demonstrate peritoneal spread, we offer cryoreductive surgery to remove any visible metastases, often in conjunction with hot intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) instilled into the abdominal cavity immediately afterward. 

Our colorectal surgical team utilizes the most advanced endoscopic techniques to treat colonic polyps, which are typically discovered during colonoscopy. These include endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection, along with minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. Patients with the genetic condition familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have an almost 100% risk of developing colon or rectal cancer during their lives and may require colectomy and proctectomy to prevent this. For these patients, we use the latest minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques to excise the colon and rectum and restore the continuity of the intestines. In addition, our comprehensive genetics program assists families with FAP to get appropriate screening and treatment.

Inflammatory bowel diseases of the lower intestine are usually diagnosed at colonoscopy, following an investigation of symptoms. The primary treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is medical therapy to control inflammation, though surgical intervention may be required. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach with close collaboration between our gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons in the management of our patients with these conditions, utilizing up-to-date medical therapies and cutting-edge surgical techniques, including minimally invasive methods to provide our patients with the best care available. 

For patients with severe or recurrent diverticulitis, surgery may be needed to remove or repair part of the bowel. At UCI this may be done utilizing minimally invasive techniques.

UCI colorectal surgeons use the latest in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, to treat intestinal and anal fistulas. Fistulas can occur with Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, malignancies or after radiotherapy. Intestinal fistulas may require surgical removal of part of the bowel and repair of the affected organ. The treatment of anal fistulas depends on their location within the anal sphincter complex. 

Prolapse of pelvic organs (including the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder and rectum) may require surgical treatment. If indicated, we utilize a multidisciplinary approach involving urogynecologists and colorectal surgeons employing the latest laparoscopic and/or robotic surgical techniques.

Abdominal hernias arise from a defect in the abdominal wall fascia and may be congenital or due to previous surgeries or injury. Our team of specialists evaluates such hernias to determine whether repair can be performed laparoscopically or if a complex reconstruction of the abdominal wall is required.

The Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery performs several other procedures, many for conditions that are initially managed medically. These include hemorrhoidectomy, sphincterotomy for anal fissure, repair of anal sphincter muscles or implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator for fecal incontinence, surgery for pilonidal disease and excision of anal warts.