Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian have launched the Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy, a unique initiative focused on innovative treatments for severe and difficult-to-treat colorectal conditions and surgery-related complications.
Led by colorectal surgeon Dr. Pokala Ravi Kiran and IBD interventional gastroenterologist Dr. Bo Shen, the center will provide care that emphasizes effective relief while avoiding life-impacting compromises like ostomy.
“Our mentality is different from most surgical practices, here in New York City or globally,” said Dr. Kiran. “We have the expertise to make thoughtful decisions and to ensure that quality of life is maintained, even for the most complex cases.”
Offering Unmatched Care From Leading Specialists
The newly established center harnesses the expertise of distinguished professionals such as Dr. Kiran, a renowned surgeon-scientist specializing in colorectal cancer and complex colorectal conditions, and Dr. Shen, a globally recognized leader in interventional endoscopy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This formidable team is further complemented by the distinctive skills of Dr. James Church, a highly esteemed colorectal surgeon acknowledged for his significant contributions to polyposis and hereditary neoplasia care. Together, they provide patients with an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and proficiency.
“We are the predominant program for endoscopic treatments for colorectal conditions,” said Dr. Shen. “We’ve established the guidelines that other groups follow. That level of understanding allows us to provide a quality of interventional endoscopic care, complex IBD, and ileal pouch disorders that can’t be found anywhere else.”
The center is a section of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Department of Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The center’s multidisciplinary team will draw from across Columbia, bringing together colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, nutritionists, cancer surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, personalized care.
“We are excited to continue to strategically grow the regional and national presence of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at NYP/Columbia,” said Dr. Cary Aarons, interim chief of the division. “This initiative underscores the enduring commitment of our outstanding surgeons and gastroenterologists to providing high-quality, integrated patient care for colorectal disorders that affect so many individuals.”
Sharing Expertise With the World
The center will also serve as an important training site for the latest techniques for complex care, including K-and J-pouch salvage procedures. By offering guidance to other providers through seminars and publications like the upcoming book, “Corrective Endoscopy and Surgery in Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases: Advanced Management of Complications,” (Academic Press) the center’s leadership hopes to further improve the level of care available for patients with colorectal and IBD complications throughout the world.
The center aims to provide options for patients that other programs could not treat because of the complex nature of their condition. “We understand that surgery for colorectal conditions can have significant and lasting effects on self-image,” said Kiran. “Changes like a permanent external ostomy bag can be difficult to adapt to as part of a ‘new normal.’ The Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy is committed to helping these patients preserve their dignity and maintain a better quality of life.”
To refer patients to the Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy, please call (212) 342-1155 and choose option 1.