Colon and Rectal Surgery

Overview

Colon and rectal surgeons at Mayo Clinic offer the latest in diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients who suffer from disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. The physicians who specialize in colon and rectal surgery at Mayo have completed training in general surgery as well as advanced training in the treatment of colon and rectal problems. There are two colorectal surgeons in Jacksonville, Fla., eight in Rochester, Minn. and two in Arizona. Mayo surgeons offer a collaborative approach to patient care, working closely with colleagues in Gastroenterology and other specialties to find the best treatment approach for each patient.

Mayo's colorectal surgeons perform hundreds of operations each year using state-of-the-art technology and have expertise in:

• Colon and rectal cancer and polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease — Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis and diverticular disease
• Anal problems such as hemorrhoids, fistula and fissure
• Motility problems of the colon, such as constipation

All Mayo practices feature increasing use of minimally invasive surgery procedures. These procedures use smaller incisions, which result in decreased bleeding, reduced hospital stays and shortened recovery time for patients.

Mayo surgeons are active in research and education programs to continually find new and better ways of doing things and to prepare the next generation of surgeons.