Colorectal Programs & Services
Who We Treat | Key Programs | Highlights | Research | For Professionals
We are proud to have one of the top-ranked colorectal programs in the world, as rated by US World & News report. We use our resources as part of the internationally renowned NewYork-Presbyterian hospital system to bring you complete colorectal care, with many dedicated sub-programs to tackle every aspect of disease and treatment.
The caregivers in our group share a common mission:
- to provide ready access to expert care for those afflicted with diseases of the bowel
- to be a place of last resort for those who have nowhere else to go
- to provide comfort and support to our patients and their families
- to create a legacy by teaching caregivers of the future
- to advance care through relevant research
If you think any of our services can help you or a loved one, please call (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online today. For IBD care, call (212) 305-9664.
Who We Treat
We treat all people dealing with diseases of the colon and rectum. We have options for every patient we see, regardless of the complexity and severity of their condition.
Conditions We Cover
- Hemorrhoids and anorectal disorders
- Diverticulitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
- Cancers of the colon and rectum, including those related to inherited genetic syndromes
- Pelvic floor disorders like fecal incontinence and constipation
- Enterocutaneous fistula
- Colorectal disease deemed too complex or severe to be treated by other programs
Services We Offer
- Minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic options
- Complex reoperative procedures
- Advanced techniques to preserve continence after surgery
- Advanced endoscopy
- Pouch surgery and pouch repair
- Ostomy avoidance and advanced quality of life options for patients with an ostomy
Learn More With Our Educational Health Guides »
Key Clinical Programs
Hemorrhoids & Anorectal Conditions
Our team has expertise in the management of simple and complex anorectal conditions including hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal fistula, anorectal abscess, condyloma and rectal prolapse. Our dedicated Anal Fistula Center provides complete care for this common and difficult condition.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may not have cures, but they can be managed. Our program is home to a dedicated IBD Center, lead by international experts in IBD care and pioneers in interventional treatment techniques. As part of a multi-specialty team of IBD experts, our surgeons and gastroenterologists work collaboratively with imaging experts and researchers to help restore quality of life in those with inflammatory bowel disease.
Colorectal Cancer Care
From screening colonoscopies to complex surgery for advanced-stage disease, our surgeons have the experience to prevent and treat colorectal cancer in all its forms. Working alongside oncologists, gastroenterologists, and imaging experts, our surgeons will develop a personalized treatment plan to fit your specific goals of care. Our team understands that colorectal cancer can take a toll on your mind as well as your body, so we also offer a colorectal cancer support group for you and your loved ones.
Hereditary Colon Cancer Care
Inherited or hereditary colorectal cancers often require a specialized approach and understanding due to their connection to complex genetic syndromes. Surgery is the most effective treatment for conditions like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, or FAP, an inherited disease that causes a large number of polyps to form within the colon and rectum. Over time, the odds that one of these polyps turns into cancer is nearly 100%. Our team features world-leaders in the management of hereditary causes of colorectal cancers like FAP, Lynch syndrome, and more. Their experience and expertise allow them to develop personalized treatment plans with each patient to optimize the timing and scope of surgery.
Visit Hereditary Cancer Center
Pelvic Floor Care
The surgeons and nurse practitioners in our Pelvic Floor Program use non-invasive, minimally invasive and robotic surgical therapies to resolve pelvic floor issues like fecal incontinence and constipation. We have highly accurate instruments to evaluate the pelvic anatomy and muscle function, including anorectal manometry to determine how fit the pelvic muscles are, and endoanal ultrasound to tell us if the anal muscle is intact. Because all testing, evaluation, and treatment is done onsite by a unified team, our specialists collaborate and communicate easily, which improves your quality of care compared to most other centers, where patients must visit separate specialists for each test or consultation.
Diverticulitis Care
Our surgeons use laparoscopic techniques and care pathways to ensure rapid recovery and return to activity after surgery for diverticular disease. The potential immediate and long-term benefits and risks of operative and non-operative management are assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine management.
Care in Westchester
Residents of Westchester and the Hudson Valley now have access to world-class quality treatment for colorectal conditions. Columbia is a recognized leader in colorectal care, combining personalized treatment with the latest evidence-based advancements in medical and surgical technology.
Care in New Jersey
Columbia offers the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments for colorectal conditions, with an emphasis on providing excellent care while maintaining quality of life. We are proud to offer the same experience and expertise at our locations in New Jersey.
Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy Care
Serving as a ‘last stop' for patients with colorectal conditions that could not be treated effectively elsewhere, our Global Center for Integrated Colorectal Surgery & IBD Interventional Endoscopy is committed to providing personalized care that integrates medical, nutritional, interventional endoscopic, procedural, and surgical options for colorectal, IBD, and pouch conditions— all under one roof.
Highlights of Our Program
A Commitment to Continence Preservation
Our surgeons use advanced techniques to help preserve intestinal length over the short and long-term, even in patients with complex colorectal disease conditions and multiple previous operations. We routinely perform procedures such as stricturoplasty, limitation of length of small bowel resection, and conversion of J-pouch to a continent ileostomy.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Quicker Recovery
Our team has expertise in a variety of minimally invasive techniques for benign and malignant conditions, both simple and complex, of the intestine, colon and rectum that allow for quicker recovery with less pain and improved cosmetic outcomes. In many cases, we can offer our patients options like laparoscopic surgery (surgery through small incisions in the belly), transanal endocscopic microsurgery (TEMS―surgery performed through the rectum), or robotic surgery (a procedure where the surgeon controls a machine that makes precise, minimally invasive incisions).
Complex and Reoperative Surgery
Our program offers top quality expertise in complex surgical procedures for complicated benign and malignant conditions. Our surgeons have expertise in reoperative surgery in the abdomen and pelvis for various indications, including:
- ileoanal pouch creation
- revisional pouch surgery
- revision of the J pouch and continent ileostomy
- repair of complex enterocutaneous and intestinal fistulae
- advanced and recurrent colon and rectal cancer
- colorectal cancer with distant spread
- Turnbull Cutait procedure
- salvage of ileoanal pouches (for patients who develop dysfunction after a previous ileoanal pouch procedure or when pouch failure occurs)
- specialized perineal and abdominal techniques for pouch-perineal or pouch-vaginal fistulae, pouch sinus, pelvic sepsis related to the pouch, pouch and anastomotic strictures, Crohn's disease complicating the pouch, and pouch prolapse.
Data-Driven Care and Enhanced Recovery Protocols
We have a comprehensive outcomes research program that allows the maintenance of excellence in surgical results and continued research related to colorectal surgery. We have officially rolled out our latest patient-centered innovation, an Enhanced Recovery Protocol to help people get better faster even after major abdominal surgery. Based on the principles of patient education and empowerment, evidence-based interventions, minimally invasive surgery, and opioid-sparing pain control, the protocol guides patients through the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative periods. By rolling out this program with the help of the multidisciplinary team, results to date have shown shorter lengths of stay, less post-operative complications and readmissions, less post-operative pain, and less opioids. Patients and the staff are thrilled, and we look forward to continuing the progress for the benefit of our colorectal patients.
One-Stop Clinic With Same-Day Appointments
For your convenience, we strive to facilitate and complete all testing on the same day as your first appointment. This includes same-day labs, imaging, procedures (including flexible sigmoidoscopy), anorectal manometry, endorectal/anal ultrasound as well as referrals to other physicians. For new patients seeking evaluation and management of specific colorectal complaints, we offer same-day appointments. This allows for the prompt management of painful benign anorectal and abdominal disease conditions as well as a speedier assessment for patients dealing with the uncertainty of a diagnosis of cancer of the colon and rectum.
Second Opinions, Telephone Consults, and Virtual Visits
We understand that surgery is a big decision and can be scary. Sometimes one doctor’s opinion isn’t enough to answer your questions or ease your concerns. We can help. If you are seeking a second opinion from one of our surgeons, take the following steps:
- Call our office at (212) 342-1155.
- Fill out the medical history questionnaire forms.
- Have you medical records (office notes, radiology imaging results, laboratory data, colonoscopy reports, pathology reports) faxed to us at (212) 305-0267.
- Bring outside radiology discs to your appointment.
If you can’t visit us in person, we offer Telephone Consults and Virtual Visits. We will conduct a detailed review of your medical records, and you can then discuss with one of our surgeons over the phone. Call our office at the number above to set up a consultation or to ask us any other questions.
Colon Cancer Support Group
The Colorectal Cancer Support Group provides a positive and supportive environment for patients diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. This is an in-person forum where patients and family members can share their stories, reflect on their experiences, voice their concerns, provide resources and connect with others undergoing similar experiences. Guest speakers will participate in some of the monthly group meetings.
- When: Every 4th Thursday of the month
- Where: Milstein Hospital Building, 7th Floor Reemtsma Conference Room, 177 Fort Washington Ave (Get Maps & Directions »)
- For more information, please contact colorectalsupport@nyp.org or call (212) 342-1155
International Services
We take it as a point of pride that people travel from around the globe to use our services. To help our international patients, we offer a multilingual global services team to guide you through their medical care experience. The team, which comes to us via our hospital partners at NewYork Presbyerian, provides international patients an unparalleled level of customized service and personal attention every step of the way. Patient Coordinators are available around-the-clock, seven days a week, to meet your every need as they facilitate your care. They will assist you with medical appointments, accommodations and travel documentation while Financial Representatives work closely with you regarding financial matters. If you need care for severe and difficult-to-treat colorectal conditions and surgery-related complications, they can connect you to our Global Center. Call (212) 746-9100 to connect with our Global Services team.
Research & Clinical Trials
Using research to advance our understanding of colorectal disease, optimize management, and discover new treatments is a core part of our program’s mission. Our Center for Innovations and Outcomes Research (CIOR) allows interested trainees to undertake and excel in research related to colorectal surgery. The colorectal division has had more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in high impact factor journals as well as several book chapters and review articles over the last 5 years. Findings from the division’s research projects are presented at multiple national and international meetings each year. The Division actively participates in national practice guidelines committees and coauthoring textbooks related to colorectal surgery.
Related Links
- Center for Innovations and Outcomes Research (CIOR)
- IBD Center Clinical Trials
- More Ongoing Clinical Trials
Information for Students & Healthcare Providers
We pride ourselves on our ability to educate the next generation of surgeons. Our rich tradition of education is exemplified by the career of Dr. Kenneth A. Forde, co-founder of one of our national societies and a consummate educator. Trainees and visiting scholars from around the world spend time with us learning about the treatment of both simple and complex colorectal disease and gain exposure to a wide range of open and minimally invasive procedures, including advanced minimally invasive operations and complex re-operative surgeries. Our surgeons also help organize continuing medical education events to keep their peers informed of best practices within colorectal care.
Our Clinical Colorectal Fellowship program is part of the combined bi-campus Columbia-Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital Fellowship program. Colorectal surgery fellows at our campus obtain experience in anorectal and abdominal procedures, as well as colonoscopy. Ample exposure to straightforward operative procedures, minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic, robotic and SILS procedures, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS), transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) and complex re-operative surgery such as redo pouch surgery, enterocutaneous fistula management, pelvic exenteration and K pouch procedures is available.
Through our IBD Center, we also offer a one-year Advanced Fellowship in IBD with the goal of further knowledge and advancing academic career. Each year, one fellow will have the opportunity to receive advanced training in IBD.
- Columbia-Cornell NYP Colorectal Fellowship Program
- Advanced IBD Fellowship Program
- CME & Educational Events
- Division of Colorectal Surgery administrative page
Can our colorectal program help you? Call (212) 342-1155 or request an appointment online. For IBD care, call (212) 305-9664.