What Is Colorectal Cancer? | Highlights of Our Program | Our Team | Our Locations | Make an Appointment
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, we’re here to help. Columbia’s colorectal surgery program offers the most up-to-date treatment options for colorectal cancer, including advanced and complex cases. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the most effective care while maintaining their quality of life. Our surgeons are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise in minimally invasive, robotic, and laparoscopic surgery, and our surgical outcomes consistently beat national averages, despite taking on many of the most difficult cases.
If you or someone you love is in need of care for a colorectal issue, we’re here to help. Our team is available for consultations, second opinions, and to perform any colorectal procedure, should one be necessary. Call us at (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer forms in the lower part of the digestive system, in either the colon or rectum. While it is one of the most common and aggressive cancers, it is also highly treatable. Because colorectal cancer can progress without symptoms and treatment is much easier in the initial stages of the disease, screening for early diagnosis is very important.
Learn More About Colorectal Cancer
Our Services
Our services include expert colorectal surgery for the treatment of cancer. Our highly skilled colorectal surgeons have a wealth of experience in endoscopic and surgical procedures, including the use of advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS). These innovative techniques allow for a minimally invasive approach to surgery, which often results in faster recovery times, better outcomes, and improved quality of life for our patients. In addition, our surgeons have specialized knowledge in techniques that can help to avoid permanent ostomy, even in cases of advanced, rare, or complex cancers affecting the intestine, colon, and rectum.
- Endoscopic/endoluminal resection
- Colectomy/proctectomy
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic surgery
- Stoma care
- Options for advanced/recurrent cancers
- Options for cancers with distant spread
Highlights of Our Program
Work With a Team of Experts
Our surgical team works closely with experts all across Columbia, including gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and specialized support staff trained to provide care based on your specific needs.
Partner With a Leading Cancer Center
As part of one of the nation’s top cancer centers, the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer the most comprehensive treatment options for colon and rectal cancer available—including access to the latest clinical trials.
Minimally Invasive Care That Helps Maintain Quality of Life
Our surgeons are leaders in the use of minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. These specialized techniques provide patients with the highest level of care while maintaining continence and avoiding permanent ostomy, even in advanced and complex cancers.
A Dedicated Center for Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
For people whose colorectal cancer is caused by genetic conditions like Lynch Syndrome and FAP, our specialized Columbia Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Center delivers personalized treatment plans and works with family members to proactively identify and treat potential problems before they develop into cancers.
Visit the Columbia Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Center
We Treat More Than Just Your Cancer
Colorectal cancer can impact everything you do, so having resources and support for you and your family is an important part of your treatment. We offer regular support groups that let you connect with others going through similar experiences, voice your concerns, and help you on your treatment journey and survivorship.
Help Along the Way
When undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, it’s understandable to feel a little overwhelmed. Columbia offers patients with colon and rectal cancer a dedicated nurse navigator to help streamline and manage your care experience.
Our Team
Our surgeons have earned national and international recognition for their expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, and routinely train other surgeons across the country. Our overall surgical outcomes are highly favorable compared to national averages.
Colorectal Surgeons
Our surgeons have earned national and international recognition for their expertise in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, and routinely train other surgeons across the country. Our overall surgical outcomes are highly favorable compared to national averages.
Cary B. Aarons, MD | Interim Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery
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Debbie Bakes, MD | Chief, Colorectal Surgery/Westchester Section
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P. Ravi Kiran, MD | Director, Advanced Colorectal Surgery, IBD & Pouch Institute
James M. Church, MD | Director of Research, Section Head of Hereditary Cancer and Familial Polyposis, Division of Colorectal Surgery
Usama Ahmed Ali, MD | book an appointment online »
Marco Bertucci Zoccali, MD | book an appointment online »
Beatrice Dionigi, MD | book an appointment online »
Joseph Riad, MD | book an appointment online »
David Schwartzberg, MD | book an appointment online »
Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse
Nutrition
Sabrina Oliver, MS, RD | (347) 712-0894
Our Locations
Our Locations
Washington Heights-NYP/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10032-3784
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- Providers at this facility: P. Ravi Kiran, MD, Usama Ahmed Ali, MD, Debbie Bakes, MD, James M. Church, MD, Beatrice Dionigi, MD, Joseph Riad, MD, David Schwartzberg, MD, Bo Shen, MD, Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD, Marco Zoccali, MD, Princy Daniel, FNP-BC, Louella Escoto-Ortaliz, NP, Gerthy Michel, NP, Anna Varghese, NP
Midtown West
51 West 51st Street, Suite #380
New York, NY 10019
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- Providers at this facility: P. Ravi Kiran, MD
Upper East Side
12 East 86th Street, Suite #1
New York, NY 10028
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- Providers at this facility: Le-Chu Su, MD, PhD, Princy Daniel, FNP-BC
Riverdale
3050 Corlear Avenue, Suite #204
Bronx, NY 10463
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- Providers at this facility: Beatrice Dionigi, MD, David Schwartzberg, MD
Bronxville
NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester
55 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, NY 10708
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- Providers at this facility: David Schwartzberg, MD
1 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
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- Providers at this facility: Beatrice Dionigi, MD
Mt. Vernon
ColumbiaDoctors - Mt. Vernon
540 Gramatan Ave
Mount Vernon, NY 10552
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- Providers at this facility: David Schwartzberg, MD
Tarrytown
155 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
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- Providers at this facility: David Schwartzberg, MD
Hudson Valley
NYP/Hudson Valley Hospital
1978 Crompond Road, Suite 101
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
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- Providers at this facility: Debbie Bakes, MD
1985 Crompond Road, Building E
Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
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- Providers at this facility: Debbie Bakes, MD
New Jersey
500 Grand Ave, Suite 101
Englewood, NJ 07631
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- Providers at this facility: P. Ravi Kiran, MD, Joseph Riad, MD, Marco Zoccali, MD, Louella Escoto-Ortaliz, NP, Gerthy Michel, NP, Anna Varghese, NP
Make an Appointment
Our team of colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, nurses and more are here to answer all your questions and work with you on developing a personalized treatment plan.
To get started with our team, call (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online today.